Mesenchymal stem cells in progression and treatment of cancers

Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) from bone marrow or local tissues are recruited to stroma of almost all types of cancers during initiation and/or progression of cancer. The recruited MSCs and their derivative cancer-associated fibroblasts interact with cancer cells to promote stemness, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Targeting these cancer-recruited MSCs and/or the interaction between MSCs and cancer cells are promising strategies to improve cancer therapy. On the other hand, the unique tumor-homing capacity of MSCs makes them a promising vehicle to deliver various anti-cancer agents. This review summarized the recent advancement of our understanding on the interaction between MSCs and cancer cells, as well as the potential of MSCs for cancer therapy.