Exploring the role of stem cells in cancer development and progression

Abstract

Tumors comprise two types of non-cancerous cells, first recruited cells such as stem cells and macrophages, and second, tissue-steady cells that are part of the tissue including adipose cells, fibroblasts, and steady macrophage-derived cells, all having a significant impact on tumor progression. This review addresses some effects of stem cells on cancer advancement as the predominant outcome of stem cell therapy on cancer cell lines revealed controversial results. In addition, this review will address some reasons of distinct cancer responses and hypotheses the notion of unfolded protein response as a key switch in cancer development.