Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts as a Therapeutic Strategy for Breast Cancer.

Overview

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death among women. Recent evidence suggests that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have an essential role in cancer progression, invasion, and therapy resistance. Therefore, they are considered as highly promising future therapeutic targets against BC. The intrinsic tumor tropism and immunomodulatory capacities of MSCs are of special relevance for developing MSCs-based anti-tumor therapies that suppress primary tumor growth and metastasis. In addition, the utilization of therapies that target the stromal components of the tumor microenvironment in combination with standard drugs is an innovative tool that could improve patients response to therapies and their survival. In this review, we discuss the currently available information regarding the possible use of MSCs-derived anti-tumor therapies, as well as the utilization of therapies that target CAFs in BC microenvironment. Finally, this data can serve as a guide map for future research in this field, ultimately aiding the effective transition of these results into the clinic.