Emerging Strategies and Obstacles in Colorectal Cancer Therapy: Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Coated Inorganic Nanoparticles as A Novel Approach

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Chemotherapy for cancer often results in severe side effects and has a higher mortality rate compared to alternative treatment methods. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been adopted as a potential drug delivery system targeting cancer and tumor cells. MSCs possess special features such as low immunogenicity, homing ability, and tumor tropism. There are several approaches for cancer therapy using MSCs, including migration towards irradiated tumors, chemotaxis-mediating factors, genetic engineering, priming with anticancer drugs, and derivation of Micro vesicles. These MSCs are formulated with chemotherapeutic agents to deliver drugs directly to the tumor site. With increasing rates of unhealthy lifestyles, poor food habits, and people may more easily accept genetic predispositions, mesenchymal stem cell therapy as it reduces the frequent use of conventional medications. Nanotechnology has emerged as a favorable approach in cancer treatment, managing the limitations of existing therapies. In recent decades, inorganic nanoparticles have demonstrated significant potential in the fight against colorectal cancer. Unlike organic nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles possess unique characteristics such as thermal efficiency, electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, and photosensitivity. These nanoparticles primarily made from materials like carbon, silica, metals and metal oxides are known for their enhanced dru-loading capabilities and effectiveness in advanced photo thermal and photodynamic therapies. This review summarize the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer, loading ability of MSCs and highlight the crucial role of inorganic nanoparticles in photo thermal and photodynamic therapy and drug delivery, while also searching several types of inorganic nanoparticles utilized in colorectal cancer treatment based on recent studies. Key words: Colorectal Cancer, Chemotaxis, Micro vesicles, Tumour tropism, photo thermal therapy, photodynamic therapy