Stem cell therapies and glioma stem cells in glioblastoma: a systematic review of current challenges and research directions
Dublin Core
Title
Stem cell therapies and glioma stem cells in glioblastoma: a systematic review of current challenges and research directions
Subject
Glioblastoma, Stem cell, Glioblastoma stem cell, Stem cell therapy
Description
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma is the most aggressive tumor of glial origin and the most common, as established by the
World Health Organization. GBM has been one of the most intractable tumors with minimal progress in prognosis
despite decades of research. Stem cell therapy (SCT) has raised hopes with regard to possibly targeting tumor
progression and recurrence. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are directly involved in gliomagenesis and chemoresistance,
thus constituting potential valuable therapeutic targets for improving treatment outcomes.
Objective The objective of this review article is to assess and consider the potential therapeutic benefits, challenges,
and prospective research directions for SCTs for glioblastoma with a particular focus on GSCs as key therapeutic
targets.
Materials and methods A literature review was performed using search terms and Boolean operators pertinent to
SCT and glioblastomas to gather all existing literature. The databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane
Library were searched in accordance with the standard guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020.
Results and conclusions The review established that the main mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells
(NSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and hematopoietic stem cells are the first SCTs evaluated in terms
of their potential as a glioblastoma therapy. While SCTs were found to be effective in tumor targeting and immune
modulation, they face certain restrictions, including death of stem cells inside the body, tumor heterogeneity, and
transformation to malignancy. Research must now focus on the combination of stem cell therapy with molecular-
targeted therapy and advanced delivery systems for improved tumor targeting, better overcoming resistance, and
enhancing both efficacy and safety for patients undergoing treatment for glioblastoma.
Highlights
• MSCs, NSCs, iPSCs, and HSCs are the primary stem cell types explored in glioblastoma therapy.
• GSCs, as key drivers of tumor initiation, progression, and resistance, are essential therapeutic targets.
Background Glioblastoma is the most aggressive tumor of glial origin and the most common, as established by the
World Health Organization. GBM has been one of the most intractable tumors with minimal progress in prognosis
despite decades of research. Stem cell therapy (SCT) has raised hopes with regard to possibly targeting tumor
progression and recurrence. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are directly involved in gliomagenesis and chemoresistance,
thus constituting potential valuable therapeutic targets for improving treatment outcomes.
Objective The objective of this review article is to assess and consider the potential therapeutic benefits, challenges,
and prospective research directions for SCTs for glioblastoma with a particular focus on GSCs as key therapeutic
targets.
Materials and methods A literature review was performed using search terms and Boolean operators pertinent to
SCT and glioblastomas to gather all existing literature. The databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane
Library were searched in accordance with the standard guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020.
Results and conclusions The review established that the main mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells
(NSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and hematopoietic stem cells are the first SCTs evaluated in terms
of their potential as a glioblastoma therapy. While SCTs were found to be effective in tumor targeting and immune
modulation, they face certain restrictions, including death of stem cells inside the body, tumor heterogeneity, and
transformation to malignancy. Research must now focus on the combination of stem cell therapy with molecular-
targeted therapy and advanced delivery systems for improved tumor targeting, better overcoming resistance, and
enhancing both efficacy and safety for patients undergoing treatment for glioblastoma.
Highlights
• MSCs, NSCs, iPSCs, and HSCs are the primary stem cell types explored in glioblastoma therapy.
• GSCs, as key drivers of tumor initiation, progression, and resistance, are essential therapeutic targets.
Creator
Olivier Uwishema1* , Sanobar Shariff1,2 , Magda Wojtara1,3 , Judy Ahmad El Chakik1,4, Shankhaneel Ghosh1,5 ,
Kehinde Obamiro6 and Syed Ather Enam7
Kehinde Obamiro6 and Syed Ather Enam7
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
PDF
Language
ENGLISH
Type
TEXT
Files
Collection
Citation
Olivier Uwishema1* , Sanobar Shariff1,2 , Magda Wojtara1,3 , Judy Ahmad El Chakik1,4, Shankhaneel Ghosh1,5 ,
Kehinde Obamiro6 and Syed Ather Enam7, “Stem cell therapies and glioma stem cells in glioblastoma: a systematic review of current challenges and research directions,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 14, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/13221.