USE OF CXCR4 PROTEIN EXPRESSION ON THE SURFACE OF STEM CELLS AS A MARKER FOR TUMOR TROPIC POTENTIAL

摘要

The present invention relates to tumor tropic stem cells, and particularly to neural stem cells, and their use as delivery vehicles for therapeutic gene products to neoplastic foci. The stem cells with tumor tropic potential are selected based on the stem cells exhibiting CXCR4 receptors or an affinity for the chemokine SDF-1. The stem cells may additionally exhibit markers characteristic of astrocytic progenitors. The stem cells may be administered as part of a treatment regimen including the chemokine SDF-1.