Use of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Prostate Cancer Could Increase the Risk of Cancer Progression

Tissue Engineering and Its Potential to Reduce Prostate Cancer Treatment Sequelae—Narrative Review

“…The concerns related to boosting of resection area with bioactive molecules must be, however, taking into account. Raj et al(72) explained the possible link between mesenchymal stem cells and prostate cancer progression risk. On the other hand, the in-depth understanding of prostate cancer biology allows us to choose patients with local diseases with extremely low chances for recurrence after prostatectomy.…”

In Reply

“…In their letter to the editor , Raj et al suggested that extreme caution should be taken prior to infusing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a cell‐based drug delivery vector into patients with cancer due to the potential risk for promoting disease progression. Although we tested unmodified MSCs with no therapeutic potential , the approach used in this study was considered safe given that infusing allogeneic MSCs 4–6 days preprostatectomy is unlikely to alter the natural course of an individual's prostate cancer.…”

Is it Safe to Use Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer Patients?

“…Several studies have shown the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cancer initiation and progression either through direct interaction (cell fusion) or through their secretory factors. 2,3 On the contrary, there are few studies wherein the MSCs have shown to inhibit cancer. 4 The type of effect (inhibition/progression) the MSCs would have on cancer depends on several factors including the tissue of origin of the MSCs, cancer cell lineage, and the genetic profile of the individual.…”

“…If MSCs that have shown to induce progression against specific tumors lineage are introduced into patients with similar tumor lineage, MSCs could potentially induce the MRD to proliferate and establish a recurrence. 3 In addition to MSCs influencing the MRD, the cancer cells may, in turn, induce the MSCs to differentiate into cancer-associated stromal cells as evidenced by Barcellos-de-Souz et al's observation of the interaction between prostate cancer and bone marrow-derived MSCs. 6 In such cases, the MSC-derived stroma would provide the ideal microenvironment for the MRD to establish and progress.…”