Page 7 - IMO-2-3

Innovative Medicines & Omics

REVIEW ARTICLE
Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem

cell exosomes for tumors in the digestive
system: From bench to bedside

Ying Liu 1,2,3 * , Tao Zhang 3 , and Pengyun Lin 3

1 Sinocelltech Ltd., Beijing, China
2 Department of Internal Medicine, Huailai Huaqing Ophthalmology Hospital, Zhangjiakou, Hebei,
China
3 General Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Northern University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China

Abstract
Exosomes are small, bilayer lipid vesicles with diameters ranging from approximately
40–160 nm. These vesicles carry a diverse array of molecular cargo, including DNA,
RNA, lipids, and proteins, which play a critical role in intercellular communication.
Among the various cell types, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recognized as
highly efficient producers of exosomes. MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exo) have been
demonstrated to play dual roles in cancer progression, either promoting or inhibiting
tumor growth, depending on the specific context. This unique ability positions MSC-
exo as a promising tool for cancer therapy. This review examines the multifaceted
roles of MSC-exo in various types of digestive system tumors. It highlights the
exosomes’ potential to modulate tumor microenvironments, influence immune
responses, and deliver therapeutic molecules, thereby offering new avenues for
*Corresponding author:
Ying Liu targeted cancer treatment. In addition, the review explores the clinical application
(liuying2021@126.com) value of MSC-exo as anti-tumor agents, emphasizing the exosomes’ potential for drug
delivery and personalized medicine. However, despite the exosomes’ therapeutic
Citation: Liu Y, Zhang T, and
Lin P. Therapeutic potential of potential, several challenges must be addressed before MSC-exo can be widely
mesenchymal stem cell exosomes adopted in clinical settings. These include issues related to large-scale production,
for tumors in the digestive system: standardization, safety, and regulatory approval. By addressing these challenges,
From bench to bedside.
Innov Med Omics. 2025;2(3):1-12. MSC-exo could emerge as a transformative approach in cancer treatment, offering
doi: 10.36922/IMO025210025 innovative solutions for precision medicine and improved patient outcomes.
Received: May 25, 2025 This review underscores the importance of continued research to fully realize the
potential of MSC-exo in oncology.
Accepted: July 10, 2025
Published online: July 30, 2025
Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells; Exosomes; Mesenchymal stem cell-derived
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s). exosomes; Intercellular communication regulators; Anti-tumor; Drug delivery
This is an Open Access article
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, 1. Introduction
provided the original work is
properly cited. The global burden of malignant tumors has been rising continuously. In 2022, an estimated
Publisher’s Note: AccScience 20 million new cases of malignant tumors were diagnosed globally, and 9.7 million people
Publishing remains neutral with died from malignant tumors, with digestive system tumors contributing significantly
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional to the global cancer burden. In 2022, digestive system tumors accounted for 23.9% of
1
affiliations. new global cancer cases and 33.2% of cancer deaths. Treatment for advanced malignant
Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 1 doi: 10.36922/IMO025210025