Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer Therapy

With the thorough understanding of stem cell biology and the advent of targeted therapeutics for cancer, stem cell-based therapeutic strategies are being increasingly explored for the treatment of various cancer types. Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer Therapy sheds light on current stem cell based targeted therapies for cancer, by focusing on the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in various cancers with emphasis on a number of aspects that are critical to the success of future stem cell based therapies for cancer. Sections of this publication are devoted to developing stem cell based therapies for cancer with the main focus on tumoritrophic properties of stem cells, engineering targeted therapeutics, utilization of imaging techniques and the recent combination studies utilizing currently employed therapeutics with stem cells. Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer Therapy informs readers about critical and cutting edge stem cell therapies for cancer and also enables them to appreciate the vast plain of unresolved questions in stem cell research for cancer therapeutics. Includes biological foundation on key sources of mesenchymal stem cells and the various ways they can be utilized to treat cancer. Provides examples of current MSC based cancer therapies and prospects for the future with insights from the leading lab on cancer cell therapies. Technically advanced topic written for widespread understanding for clinical and research audiences.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 27-36).

This invaluable resource discusses insights ranging from basic biological mechanisms of various types of stem cells through the potential applications in the treatment of human diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders. These discoveries are placed within the structural context of tissue and developmental biology in sections dealing with recent advances in understanding different types of stem cell biology and their potential applications in tissue repair and regeneration and in the treatment different types of human cancer and genetic diseases or disorders. Stem Cells for Cancer and Genetic Disease Treatment and the other books in the Stem Cells in Clinical Applicationsseries will be invaluable to scientists, researchers, advanced students and clinicians working in stem cells, regenerative medicine or tissue engineering as well as cancer or genetics research.

Stem Cell Therapeutics for Cancer covers theapplication of stem cells in various cancers, with an emphasis onthe aspects of these strategies that are critical to the success offuture stem cell-based therapies for cancer. Topics covered in thebook include stem cell sources, tumor specificity, targetedtherapeutics, visualizing the stem cell, and therapeutic agentpharmacokinetics. Each chapter contains a brief introduction to thecancer, followed by an exploration of how engineered stem cellshave been utilized to cure the disease in mouse models and in earlyphase clinical trials. Comprises of sections on stem cell therapy in brain cancers,lung cancers, breast cancers, as well as stem cells incombination with other therapies Focuses on the practical applications of using stem cells asgene delivery agents to treat cancer Includes coverage of cutting-edge molecular imaging techniquesin stem cell therapeutics for a variety of tumour types

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Human Health and Diseases provides a contemporary overview of the fast-moving field of MSC biology, regenerative medicine and therapeutics. MSCs offer the potential to dramatically reduce human suffering from disease. Numerous MSC-based studies are ongoing each year, each offering hope for novel treatments in human disease. This book provides information on MSC application in well-studied human diseases and tissue repair/regeneration and recent advances in their research and treatment. These discoveries are placed within the structural context of tissue and developmental biology in sections dealing with recent advances in our understanding of MSC biology. Includes insights ranging from MSC biology and development through the derivation and identification and properties of MSCs Helps to identify potential innovative solutions for restoring normal morphogenesis and/or regeneration of diseased organs Discusses the fact-based promise of MSC therapeutics and regenerative medicine in the real world

Mesenchymal stromal/ stem cells (MSCs) represent a heterogeneous cell population with immunomodulating, tissue repairing, differentiating, migratory and angiogenic abilities, making them important tools for clinical and translational research. An understanding of the role of MSCs in modulating tumor growth provides a glimpse into their role in non-pathological tissue remodeling and potential regenerative tissue therapies. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as Tumor Stromal Modulators is a comprehensive source for the understanding of the role of MSCs as ubiquitous connective tissue cell components, which may have both direct and indirect effects on the tumor microenvironment and potential for regenerative therapeutics for various diseases. Using cancer as a model disease, this book explores the transformative role MSCs play in the recruitment of disease cells, cell repair and immunological defenses. Explores the biology of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and tissue related function Discusses the bidirectional communication between tumor stroma and MSCs derived from bone marrow, from adipose tissue and from other tissue types Provides in-depth analysis of the effects of MSCs on key processes that regulate disease progression, such as angiogenesis, metastatic potential, invasion, proliferation, tumor immune privileges

Stromal cells are connective tissue cells of any organ, and they support the function of the parenchymal cells of that particular organ. Stromal/stromal stem cells are fundamentally a heterogeneous population of cells with contradictory differentiation potential depending upon their environmental niche. Stromal cell biology is not only intriguing, but equally stromal cell ontogeny in vivo remains challenging. In recent years there has been substantial advances in our understanding of stromal cell biology, especially stromal cell isolation, characterization, differentiation, and interactions in physiological (epithelial-stromal interactions) as well as pathophysiological (stromal-cancer interactions) contexts. In addition, stromal cells are also utilized more and more as a therapeutic tool not only in the field of gene therapy but also in the translational field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Therefore, the goal of this book is to consolidate the recent advances in the area of stromal/stromal stem cell biology covering a broad range of interrelated topics in a timely fashion and to disseminate that knowledge in a lucid way to a greater scientific audience. This book will prove highly useful for students, researchers, and clinicians in stem cell biology, developmental biology, cancer biology, pathology, oncology, as well as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This quick reference will benefit anyone desiring a thorough overview of stromal cell structure, function, and its therapeutic implications.

Principles of Stem Cell Biology and Cancer: Future Applications and Therapeutics Tarik Regad, The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, UK, Thomas J. Sayers, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, USA and Robert Rees The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, UK The field of cancer stem cells is expanding rapidly, with many groups focusing on isolating and identifying cancer stem cell populations. Although some progress has been made developing efficient cancer therapies, targeting cancer stem cells remains one of the important challenges facing the growing stem cell research community. Principles of Stem Cell Biology and Cancer brings together original contributions from international experts in the field to present the very latest information linking stem cell biology and cancer. Divided into two parts, the book begins with a detailed introduction to stem cell biology with a focus on the characterization of these cells, progress that has been made in their identification, as well as future therapeutic applications of stem cells. The second part focuses on cancer stem cells and their role in cancer development, progression and chemo-resistance. This section of the book includes an overview of recent progress concerning therapies targeting cancer stem cells. Features: An authoritative introduction to the link between stem cell biology and cancer. Includes contributions from leading international experts in the field. Well-illustrated with full colour figures throughout. This book will prove an invaluable resource for basic and applied researchers and clinicians working on the development of new cancer treatments and therapies, providing a timely publication of high quality reviews outlining the current progress and exciting future possibilities for stem cell research.

Over the past decade, significant efforts have been made to develop stem cell-based therapies for difficult to treat diseases. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, also referred to as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), appear to hold great promise in regards to a regenerative cell-based therapy for the treatment of these diseases. Currently, more than 200 clinical trials are underway worldwide exploring the use of MSCs for the treatment of a wide range of disorders including bone, cartilage and tendon damage, myocardial infarction, graft-versus-host disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, critical limb ischemia and many others. MSCs were first identified by Friendenstein and colleagues as an adherent stromal cell population within the bone marrow with the ability to form clonogenic colonies in vitro. In regards to the basic biology associated with MSCs, there has been tremendous progress towards understanding this cell population’s phenotype and function from a range of tissue sources. Despite enormous progress and an overall increased understanding of MSCs at the molecular and cellular level, several critical questions remain to be answered in regards to the use of these cells in therapeutic applications. Clinically, both autologous and allogenic approaches for the transplantation of MSCs are being explored. Several of the processing steps needed for the clinical application of MSCs, including isolation from various tissues, scalable in vitro expansion, cell banking, dose preparation, quality control parameters, delivery methods and numerous others are being extensively studied. Despite a significant number of ongoing clinical trials, none of the current therapeutic approaches have, at this point, become a standard of care treatment. Although exceptionally promising, the clinical translation of MSC-based therapies is still a work in progress. The extensive number of ongoing clinical trials is expected to provide a clearer path forward for the realization and implementation of MSCs in regenerative medicine. Towards this end, reviews of current clinical trial results and discussions of relevant topics association with the clinical application of MSCs are compiled in this book from some of the leading researchers in this exciting and rapidly advancing field. Although not absolutely all-inclusive, we hope the chapters within this book can promote and enable a better understanding of the translation of MSCs from bench-to-bedside and inspire researchers to further explore this promising and quickly evolving field.

Cancer Stem Cells: Targeting the Roots of Cancer, Seeds of Metastasis, and Sources of Therapy Resistance introduces the basic concepts and advanced understanding of cancer stem cells, covering general overviews, organ-specific identifications, and their characteristic mechanisms. The book also explores innovative therapeutic strategies in preclinical and clinical trials to target cancer stem cells, remove the roots of cancer, eliminate the seeds of metastasis, overcome the resistance of therapies, and contribute to the eradication of cancer. The book includes contributions from leading, worldwide experts in the field, helping readers embrace new hope in their quest to eradicate cancer with emerging clinical trials on treating cancer stem cells in combination with other therapies. Provides an authoritative and complete overview of cancer stem cells Includes comprehensive coverage of current therapeutic strategies targeting cancer stem cells Deepens a reader’s technical expertise in cancer stem cell biology

Janus, the ancient Roman god depicted with two faces is an appropriate metaphor for light therapy. In the right photodynamic therapy conditions, light is able to kill nearly anything that is living such as cancers, microorganisms, parasites, and more. On the opposite face, light of the correct wavelength and proper dose (photobiomodulation) can heal, regenerate, protect, revitalize and restore any kind of dead, damaged, stressed, dying, degenerating cells, tissue, or organ system. This book discusses both sides of Janus' face in regards to light therapy.

The Biology and Therapeutic Application of Mesenchymal Cells comprehensively describes the cellular and molecular biology of mesenchymal stem cells and mesenchymal stromal cells, describing their therapeutic potential in a wide variety of preclinical models of human diseases and their mechanism of action in these preclinical models. Chapters also discuss the current status of the use of mesenchymal stem and stromal cells in clinical trials in a wide range of human diseases and disorders, for many of which there are limited, or no other, therapeutic avenues. • Provides coverage on both the biology of mesenchymal stem cells and stromal cells, and their therapeutic applications • Describes the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem and stromal cells in a wide variety of preclinical models of human diseases and their mechanism of action in these preclinical models • Discusses the current status of mesenchymal stem and stromal cells in clinical trials in a wide range of human diseases and disorders, for many of which there are limited, or no other, therapeutic avenues • Written and edited by leaders in the field The Biology and Therapeutic Application of Mesenchymal Cells is an invaluable resource for those studying stem cells, cell biology, genetics, gene or cell therapy, or regenerative medicine. About the Author Kerry Atkinson, MBBS MD DTM&H FRCP FRACP, is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research in Brisbane, Australia, an Adjunct Professor in the Stem Cell Laboratories, Queensland University of Technology at the Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and a Specialist in Internal Medicine at the Salisbury Medical Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Colon Cancer Cells brings together fundamental research and clinically relevant issues in the cell biology of colon cancer. This book is composed of five parts encompassing 21 chapters that specifically describe the initiation and progression of colon cancer cells. After briefly dealing with the major issues in colorectal carcinoma, this book goes on presenting the in vitro and in vivo models of colon carcinogenesis. This topic is followed by a discussion on the history of the development and characterization of commonly used colon cancer cell lines. The following parts describe the biochemical and immunological features and hormones in the colon. These parts also consider the studies on human colon tumors xenografted into nude mice and the biology and treatment of colorectal cancer metastasis. Discussions on the application of human monoclonal antibodies to tumor detection; the expression of blood group-related carbohydrates by normal, premalignant, and malignant colonic tissues; and the correlation of antigen variability in colon carcinoma with certain diagnostic and prognostic parameters are also included in these parts. The concluding part examines various therapeutic strategies and their potential in improving patient management with advanced colon carcinoma. Researchers, clinicians, and students interested in the biology of colon cancer development and in gastrointestinal cell biology will find this book invaluable.

MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) have been reported to initiate revascularization after injury, to facilitate engraftment of blood-forming stem cells, and to reduce the incidence of graft-vs. host disease through their immune-suppressive qualities. Finally, bone marrow-derived MSC have been reported to home to areas of solid tumor revascularization, and thus may be used as delivery vehicles to target ablative agents into dividing tumor cells. Recently the characteristics of human MSC from adipose (fat) tissue have also been identified. The possibility of repairing tissues, speeding stem cell engraftment, and targeting solid tumors for specific killing, using MSC easily harvested from bone marrow, or better yet, from unwanted fat tissue, holds broad appeal, and is an intriguing possibility that could have dramatic effect on health care. This book has information on how to isolate, grow, and characterize MSC from marrow and fat, and gives important insight into how these cells may be used for gene delivery and cellular therapies in the future. Updates on emerging clinical trials are given.

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor and mainly affects children, adolescents, and young adults. Osteosarcoma shows significant genetic instability, resulting in very complex biology with multifaceted cellular and molecular mechanisms and behavior. Although clinical outcomes, both prognostic and functional, of osteosarcoma dramatically improved in the 1980s, the prognoses of the patients with relapsed and/or metastatic disease remained very poor in spite of our continuous efforts to overcome this difficulty. This book aims to delve into the current advances of basic and clinical sciences in osteosarcoma that are guiding the future directions of its research and clinical practice. The knowledge presented here will lead to further inspiration, ideas, and novel insights into the field of osteosarcoma research. Hopefully, this work will foster improvement of the prognosis for patients suffering from the disease.

Breast Cancer - From Biology to Medicine thoroughly examines breast cancer from basic definitions, to cellular and molecular biology, to diagnosis and treatment. This book also has some additional focus on preclinical and clinical results in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The book begins with introduction on epidemiology and pathophysiology of breast cancer in Section 1. In Section 2, the subsequent chapters introduce molecular and cellular biology of breast cancer with some particular signaling pathways, the gene expression, as well as the gene methylation and genomic imprinting, especially the existence of breast cancer stem cells. In Section 3, some new diagnostic methods and updated therapies from surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and some complementary therapies are discussed. This book provides a succinct yet comprehensive overview of breast cancer for advanced students, graduate students, and researchers as well as those working with breast cancer in a clinical setting.

This volume looks at the latest techniques used to enable therapeutic molecules to be targeted for site-specific delivery. The chapters in this book discuss topics such as approaches to express biologically derived and synthetic nanocarriers; strategies to assist in nanocarrier targeting to specific cells and tissues; and methods for evaluating delivery and efficiency for new classes of agents. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Targeted Drug Delivery: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the diversity of methods used in this evolving field.

At present most intracranial gliomas are considered incurable with current treatment strategies, and the search for new modalities that may effectively control tumor growth continues. The chapters in this volume describe basic principles and therapeutic possibilities of several innovative techniques, including photodynamic therapy, laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy, stereotactic cryodestruction, high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, boron neutron capture therapy, proton and carbon ion irradiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, local chemotherapy, and alternating electric fields therapy. Potential applications of extracellular vesicles and nanotechnology for management of gliomas are highlighted as well. Many of these methods have already demonstrated antitumor efficacy in clinical testing, whereas others are still under development. The materials presented in this book are mainly directed at clinicians treating patients with brain tumors, as well as clinical and basic researchers working in the field of neuro-oncology.