Recent discoveries concerning the tumor - mesenchymal stem cell interactions

- Tumor microenvironment appears crucial for tumor development and dissemination.
- MSCs display a tropism for tumor sites.
- MSCs exhibit features characteristics to the hallmarks of cancers.
- MSC can favor or inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.
- Soluble factors and extracellular vesicles are critical for tumor cell-MSC interaction.

Tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in coordination with cancer cells in the establishment, growth and dissemination of the tumor. Among cells of the microenvironment, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their ability to evolve into cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have recently generated a major interest in the field. Numerous studies have described the potential pro- or anti-tumorigenic action of MSCs. The goal of this review is to synthesize recent and emerging discoveries concerning the mechanisms by which MSCs can be attracted to tumor sites, how they can generate CAFs and by which way MSCs are able to modulate the growth, response to treatments, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis of tumors. The understanding of the role of MSCs in tumor development has potential and clinical applications in terms of cancer management.