The Limitations and Solutions of Stem Cell Use in Cancer Treatments

Abstract

Stem cell therapy is an important treatment in the context of cancer. The use of embryonic stem cells in this field of study are controversial due to their origin from fetal cells and allogeneic stem cells have been a proposed alternative. While a preferred treatment, donor stem cells are accompanied by a host of issues, like graft-versus-host disease and rejection of the treatment. Due to recent advancements in the field, solutions to these problems are closer than ever. Radiation and chemotherapy are common therapeutic methods used to destroy cancerous cells and stem cells can be used to replenish the body with healthy cells. Stem cells can also be used as vehicles to carry chemotherapies to the tumor site. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can be used to direct the stem cell transplant to the intended location and integrins can be used to contain them to that area. In order to prevent rejection of the graft by the host’s immune system, certain proteins can be added and removed from the cell’s surface through ex-vivo modification. Clinical trials have yielded promising results for these advancements in the treatment of cancers.