Do Stem Cells Cause Tumors?

If you’re wondering, “Do Stem Cells cause tumors?”, you’re not alone. It’s a common concern, especially when diving into the world of Stem Cell Therapy. After all, who wouldn’t be a little nervous about potential risks when dealing with cutting-edge treatments? We’ll explore the real answer to this question and give you everything you need to know—without the jargon!

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What’s the Deal with Stem Cells and Tumors?

First things first: Stem Cells are essentially your body’s “blank slate” cells. They can turn into many different cell types, which makes them great for regenerative medicine. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Some types of stem cells, particularly embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), have been associated with the risk of tumor formation.

Why? These cells can divide rapidly. When they do, things can sometimes go a little haywire. Leading to the growth of teratomas, which are a type of benign tumor. Not all stem cells have the same risk—so let’s dive into which ones are more likely to cause issues.

Types of Stem Cells and Tumor Risk

1. Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)

ESCs are powerful because they can turn into any cell type. However, their ability to divide quickly and indefinitely raises the risk of them forming tumors if not controlled properly. Some studies have shown that ESCs can cause teratomas, which are non-cancerous but unwanted cell growths​

2. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

iPSCs are adult cells that scientists reprogram to behave like embryonic stem cells. The problem? iPSCs also have a higher chance of forming tumors, especially when they aren’t perfectly reprogrammed. According to some studies, this risk makes iPSCs less ideal for clinical applications without further testing​

3. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)

MSCs, commonly used in orthopedic treatments, are much less likely to cause tumors. These stem cells can only turn into a limited number of cell types (like bone and cartilage), so they don’t carry the same level of risk as ESCs or iPSCs. Many clinics prefer MSCs because of their lower tumor risk and proven safety in various trials​

We go into more detail on the types of Stem Cells here.

What Do the Studies Say?

Stem Cells are an exciting frontier in medicine but research has shown that the risk of tumor formation largely depends on the type of stem cell used. Studies have highlighted that iPSCs are more prone to genetic mutations during the reprogramming process. This increases the risk of tumor development.  On the other hand, MSC-based therapies have shown very low risks of tumor formation. They have limited ability to differentiate and divide.

Researchers stressed the need to control the environment where ESCs grow to prevent abnormal cell development. If not regulated properly, these cells could develop teratomas, making it essential for further research and monitoring in clinical applications

If you want to read more on IPSC’s specifically, we’ve got a write up on everything to do with them here. 

Conclusion: Do Stem Cells Cause Tumors?

The concern about Stem Cells causing tumors mainly comes from the early use of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Studies have shown they can cause teratomas (a type of benign tumor) in various studies. This raised alarms about the uncontrolled growth potential of these cells, particularly when used in regenerative treatments. Which is why now, clinics stay clear of these cells.

Today, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are adult cells reprogrammed to act like ESCs, still pose risk of tumor formation. The reprogramming process can introduce genetic mutations that increase the chance of developing tumors. Researchers are actively working on minimizing this risk, but iPSCs are not yet considered fully safe for widespread clinical use.

On the other hand, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have not been shown to cause tumors—yet. So far, studies suggest they are safer, especially when used in orthopedic treatments like joint repair. However, since Stem Cell Therapy is still an evolving field, long-term data on MSCs is limited. It’s essential to continue monitoring their use. In short: ESCs have caused tumors in the past, iPSCs still carry some tumor risk, and MSCs haven’t shown tumor formation yet but need further study. 

If you want to look more into how Stem Cell Therapy works in more detail, this article on the full process might be helpful!