Dual roles of mesenchymal, neural, and induced pluripotent stem cells in cancer: implications for tumorigenesis and therapeutic applications

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) play a crucial role in human development and cancer biology. While they are known to facilitate tumorigenesis, these stem cell types also hold promise as therapeutic tools in cancer treatment. They can serve as delivery systems for targeted therapies, with potential applications in regenerative medicine and cancer stem cell-targeted therapies. Through mutations, epigenetic modifications, and influences from the tumor microenvironment, somatic or normal stem cells, as well as progenitor or differentiated cells, can evolve into cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs represent a small but critical subset of tumor cells involved in tumor formation, metastasis, and treatment resistance. This review examines the dual role of MSCs, NSCs, and iPSCs in cancer by exploring their contribution to tumor initiation and their potential as therapeutic targets. To provide a focused narrative synthesis, we reviewed peer-reviewed studies addressing MSCs, NSCs, iPSCs, CSC formation, and stem cell-based therapeutic strategies in oncology. Additionally, we explore the mechanisms by which somatic or normal stem cells transition into CSCs and the factors contributing to this transformation, along with emerging CSC-targeting therapies. Finally, the role of stem cells and their exosomes as carriers in cancer therapies is examined, alongside their applications in immunotherapy and regenerative medicine, and the challenges associated with their clinical use in cancer treatment.