Introduction: Introduction: As non-specialized cells in the body, stem cells can differentiate into various cell types. Totipotent stem cells are present in the early stages of embryonic development and can divide and differentiate into cells of the entire organism. In addition, stem cells also act as the body's internal repair systems. Physical contact between cells or chemical secretions from the surrounding and internal tissues are the signals involved in the specialization process of stem cells. Stem cells can be divided into embryonic, germinal, and somatic. Despite recent advances in cancer treatment, this disease remains the leading cause of death and complications worldwide. Since stem cells can self-renew and have a high replication potential, the use of stem cells in cancer treatment is one of the methods that has been used for decades. Stem cell therapy has become a promising and advanced scientific research topic. The development of treatment methods has raised great expectations. A wide variety of options makes this cutting-edge therapy a turning point in modern medicine and offers hope for untreatable diseases. This study aims to investigate different types of stem cells for cancer treatment.
Methods: Methods: After searching Google Scholar and PubMed, we focused on exploring the role of human stem cells in cancer treatment. We used the keywords “stem cell” in combination with “treatment,” “therapy,” and “cancer” to refine our search. Based on our search objective and topic, we specifically selected articles dealing with clinical and laboratory studies. The articles we reviewed spanned the years 2006 to 2020. It is important to note that our categorization of articles was based on their findings, not organization by year.
Results: Results: In 2006, scientists Shin'ya Yamanaka and Kazutoshi Takahashi made a step forward in stem cell therapy, finding the conversion of multipotent stem cells into highly potent ones. ASCs are more accessible and less ethically restricted, finding wide applications in both therapeutic purposes and research. Among ASCs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown multiple capabilities in therapeutic targets. MSCs can suppress tumor growth by inducing immune responses. This type of stem cell is a viable option for cell delivery within tumor stroma to deliver drugs effectively. Additionally, MSCs can aid in minimizing side effects like bleeding by suppressing the immune system's rejection of transplants and assisting in bone marrow repair. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are found in tumors. It has been reported that CSCs have been functionally involved in the development of cancer through several mechanisms that include tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence. Selective targeting of CSCs throughout their development may thus provide very interesting opportunities for the design of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self-renewing and generate new neurons and glial cells; they exist in the central nervous system of all animals. Extensive research using NSCs for the treatment of primary and metastatic breast, lung, and prostate cancers has recently been done in murine models.
Conclusion: Conclusion: The advantages of stem cells may revolutionize cancer treatment due to new, different avenues for therapies opened up. Various forms of stem cells have been used for cancer treatments dependent on their inherent competency. Based on the good results of the past, it should continue efforts on the improvement of the methods of stem cell therapy in cancer treatment in the future.