Stem-cell based therapies for brain tumors.
Advances in understanding neural stem cell (NSC) biology have facilitated the development of novel cell-based therapies for brain malignancies. NSCs are the most immature progenitor cells in the nervous system that have the ability to self-renew, differentiate into terminal neural cell types, and extensively migrate to areas of pathology in the central nervous system. Because of their inherent tumor-trophic properties and their capacity to differentiate into all neural phenotypes, NSCs represent a powerful tool for the treatment of both diffuse and localized neurological disorders. Progress has validated the feasibility of using engineered NSCs as cell-based therapeutic agents to eliminate malignant cells in the brain. This review discusses the therapeutic potential of NSCs focusing on brain tumors.
Yip
Stephen
S
Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Shah
Khalid
K
D000818:Animals; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology