Chemosensitivity in Breast Cancer Link to Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Triple negative breast cancer remains one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment and despite a seemingly favorable response initially, the relapse within 3-5 years of treatment remains rather high. The recurrent tumors become resistant to the original chemotherapy resulting in spread of the tumor to other sites and death. Mesenchymal stem cells within the tumor might contribute to chemo-resistance in triple negative breast cancer according to a recent study conducted at the Changhua Christian Hospital in Taiwan.