Potential Consequences of the Use of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Liam

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death, with current therapies imposing substantial harm through surgical trauma or pharmacologic adverse effects. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) offer a promising alternative due to their efficient isolation and immunomodulatory secretome. Secreted enzymes, cytokines, and growth factors can modulate extracellular matrix remodeling and regulate proliferation and invasiveness, yet reported effects on tumor growth remain inconsistent.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

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Pages16

Reading Time40 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Review Potential Consequences of the Use of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Aleksandra Głady´s 1, Adam Mazurski 2 and Piotr Czekaj 1, * Citation: Głady´s, A.; Mazurski, A.; Czekaj, P. Potential Consequences of the Use of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 7806. [https://](https://)[ ](https://)[doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147806](doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147806) Academic Editor: Mirjana Jerkic Received: 12 June 2024 Revised: 7 July 2024 Accepted: 15 July 2024 Published: 17 July 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[ ](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[4.0/](4.0/)) . 1 Department of Cytophysiology, Chair of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; [d201163@365.sum.edu.pl](d201163@365.sum.edu.pl) 2 Students Scientific Society, Chair of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; [s74807@365.sum.edu.pl](s74807@365.sum.edu.pl) * [Correspondence: pcz@sum.edu.pl](Correspondence: pcz@sum.edu.pl) Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the most prevalent of primary liver cancersand stands as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Early-stage HCC can be effectively managed with available treatment modalities ranging from invasive techniques, such as liver resection and thermoablation, to systemic therapies primarily employing tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Unfortunately, these interventions take a significant toll on the body, either through physical trauma or the adverse effects of pharmacotherapy. Consequently, there is an understandable drive to develop novel HCC therapies. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a promising therapeutic tool. Their facile extraction process, coupled with the distinctive immunomodulatory capabilities of their secretome, make them an intriguing subject for investigation in both oncology and regenerative medicine. The factors they produce are both enzymes affecting the extracellular matrix (specifically, metalloproteinases and their inhibitors) as well as cytokines and growth factors affecting cell proliferation and invasiveness. So far, the interactions observed with various cancer cell types have not led to clear conclusions. The evidence shows both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on tumor growth. Notably, these effects appear to be dependent on the tumor type, prompting speculation regarding their potential inhibitory impact on HCC. This review briefly synthesizes findings from preclinical and clinical studies examining the effects of ADSCs on cancers, with a specific focus on HCC, and emphasizes the need for further research. Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma; adipose-derived stem cells; conditioned medium; anti-cancer therapy; cell-based therapy 1. Introduction Liver cancers are a major challenge for public health, as they rank third in mortality and sixth in incidence of all malignant neoplasms. Both incidence and mortality are expected to rise by over 50% by the year 2040 . Among liver cancers, the most common subtype is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for 80% of cases [1] . HCC is usually preceded by liver damage caused by alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatitis B or C [2] . The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma depends on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and preserved liver function. For early and intermediate HCC, treatment options usually include liver resection, orthotopic liver transplant

FAQs

Why are new treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma being investigated?

Current approaches can significantly affect patients via physical injury from interventions or adverse effects from drug therapy, motivating research into novel options.

What makes adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) relevant to HCC therapy?

ADSCs are promising because they can be extracted easily and they exert immunomodulatory effects through their secretome, which influences tumor-related processes.

How do ADSCs affect tumor growth according to the review?

Evidence indicates both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on tumor growth, and these effects appear to depend on the tumor type, leading to uncertainty about their impact on HCC.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Liam