Scientists from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new treatment using stem cells to fight brain cancer.
Study leader Khalid Shah and his team genetically engineered stem cells that are loaded with cancer-killing herpes viruses to create and secrete tumor-killing toxins. The modified stem cells were then put in a gel and implanted in mouse brains. Through imaging, the researchers examined the changes in the mouse brains where they observed that the toxins were attacking the vulnerable cancer cells.
Stem cell therapy uses stem cells to treat or prevent a certain disease or condition. Other researchers have attempted to use the technology to treat brain cancer, but Shah's study is the first to show progress.
"A few years ago we recognized that stem cells could be used to continuously deliver these therapeutic toxins to tumors in the brain, but first we needed to genetically engineer stem cells that could resist being killed themselves by the toxins," said Shah in a university news release.
"Now, we have toxin-resistant stem cells that can make and release cancer-killing drugs," he added.
The researchers admitted that further research is needed before they can test it in humans. They plan to continue their study using mouse subjects that have glioblastoma, the most common and most aggressive brain tumor within the next five years.
Still, other experts believe that this study could be the beginning of the evolution of new treatments for brain cancer patients. If successful, it could help improve the survival rates of those with the disease.
"It shows you can attack solid tumours by putting mini pharmacies inside the patient which deliver the toxic payload direct to the tumor," said Chris Mason, professor of regenerative medicine at University College London, to BBC.
Further details of the study were published in the journal Stem Cells.
