Current Advances in Cancer Stem Cells and Neoplasia Research

"Cancer, Volume 8" in the "Stem Cell Innovation in Health and Disease" series explores the rapidly evolving role of stem cells in cancer treatment. As cancer continues to impose a heavy global health burden, stem cell therapies are being recognized for their regenerative potential and ability to enhance recovery following aggressive therapies. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is already a standard, FDA-approved treatment for hematologic cancers such as leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma. These cells help regenerate healthy blood cells post-treatment. In addition, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and neural stem cells (NSCs) are showing promise in preclinical models as therapeutic carriers, capable of homing to tumor sites and delivering anti-cancer agents such as nanoparticles, siRNAs, and small-molecule drugs. Recent clinical advancements include differentiation therapy, where stem cells are used to induce cancer cells to become non-cancerous. Two completed phase I clinical trials have demonstrated innovative applications: one using NSCs to convert a prodrug into a toxic compound within tumors, and another using MSCs engineered with viral enzymes to activate cytotoxic drugs directly at the tumor site. MSCs have also helped reduce graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a major complication of stem cell transplants. This volume is divided into two main sections: understanding stem cell roles in cancer biology, and translating stem cell innovations into clinical practice. It features cutting-edge research, including organoid models, genetic editing, and iPSC technologies. Together, these insights offer a timely review of the field’s progress and its real-world potential to reshape cancer therapy.