Exploring the Role of Stem Cells in Cancer Therapy, Highlighting the risk-benefit Analysis

Abstract

Conventional cancer treatments frequently fail because of metastasis, resistance, and serious side effects, making it one of the major causes of death globally. Because of their special qualities, including their capacity to target tumors, modulate the immune system, and promote regeneration, stem cell-based treatments have attractive substitutes. A thorough comparison of the various types of stem cells, their processes, and their therapeutic usefulness is still lacking despite the large amount of research on the application of stem cells in oncology. Furthermore, more research is needed to address issues like tumorigenicity, ethical dilemmas, and delivery efficacy. Emphasizing on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and transitional hurdles, this review critically investigates the function of stem cells in cancer therapy. Here we compared the therapeutic potential and limits of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), along with induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs). The tumor-homing capacity of MSCs makes them extremely promising, but iPSCs provide a patient-specific, renewable cell supply that can be used in CAR-T therapy. However, their broad clinical acceptance is hampered by issues with immunological rejection, malignancy, and regulatory limitations. A paradigm shift in oncology, stem cell-based cancer therapies provide novel approaches to cancer that are resistant to treatment. Future success depends on resolving safety issues, improving gene-editing methods, and maximizing clinical translation. This review highlights important topics for further study and offers suggestions for overcoming the present constraints.