Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: A Leap Toward Personalized Therapies for Cancer

Mesenchymal Stem/stromal cell (MSCs) transplantation procedures have been used since the 1960's to treat leukemia and other diseases, but due to the risks involved only patients with life threatening illnesses were typically subjected to the transplantation procedure until the last decade. Recent advancements in transplantation techniques have made it more feasible to use it for non-life-threatening diseases. However, the potential uses for stem cells are still limited by their rarity, and, in the case of allogeneic transplants, graft-vs.-host complications. An evolving alternative to conventional stem cell therapies is induced pluripotent stem-cell derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (iPSC-MSCs), which have a multi-lineage potential comparable to conventionally acquired MSCs with the added benefit of being less immunoreactive. However there are still many hurdles left to be overcome before they can be used regularly for personalized therapies. This review will focus on recent advancements that have been made regarding the role MSCs play in tumor development and the potential uses iPSC-MSCs may have in future cancer treatment.