Role of mesenchymal stem cells and their derived exosomes in cervical cancer: Bidirectional mechanisms and research progress (Review)

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignant tumors among women worldwide and it imposes a notable clinical burden. Current traditional treatment methods have certain limitations. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), due to their notable biological properties, have shown broad application prospects in the field of regenerative medicine. The unique tumor homing characteristics and immune regulatory capabilities of MSCs have made them an important research direction for targeted cancer treatment. As the key mediator of MSC functions, their derived exosomes serve an important role in intercellular communication and disease regulation. However, MSCs and their exosomes, as important components of the tumor microenvironment, may have potential tumorigenic risks, which also restrict the progress of related therapies towards clinical application. Therefore, the present review aimed to systematically elaborate on the molecular mechanisms by which MSCs and their exosomes exert both promoting and inhibitory effects in CC and further explore the possible reasons behind this contradictory phenomenon.