Applications of neural and mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of gliomas. Kosztowski T, Zaidi HA, Quiñones-Hinojosa A. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2009 May;9(5):597-612.

The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, CRB II, 1550 Orleans Street, Room 247, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. thomas.kosztowski@jhmi.edu

In addition to stem cells providing a better understanding about the biology and origins of gliomas, new therapeutic approaches have been developed based on the use of stem cells as delivery vehicles. The unique ability of stem cells to track down tumor cells makes them a very appealing therapeutic modality. This review introduces neural and mesenchymal stem cells, discusses the advances that have been made in the utilization of these stem cells as therapies and in diagnostic imaging (to track the advancement of the stem cells towards the tumor cells), and concludes by addressing various challenges and concerns regarding these therapies.