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Tumor microenvironment and therapeutic response

Ting Wu1, Yun Dai1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.

Cancer Letters
|February 5, 2016
PubMed

Insights

The tumor microenvironment impacts cancer treatment effectiveness. Targeting tumor microenvironment interactions and reprogramming immune responses are key strategies to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) critically affects cancer therapeutic responses and patient prognosis.
  • Drug resistance can arise from soluble factors and cell adhesion within the TME.
  • Components of the TME, including immune cells, can either enhance or impede treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted role of the tumor microenvironment in mediating therapeutic resistance.
  • To identify strategies for overcoming drug resistance by targeting the TME.
  • To highlight the potential of combination therapies that address both tumor cells and their microenvironment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on TME components and their influence on drug resistance.
  • Analysis of therapeutic strategies targeting extracellular ligand-receptor interactions and signaling pathways.
  • Examination of the role of immune cells and potential for immune reprogramming within the TME.

Main Results:

  • Soluble factors and cell-matrix/stromal cell adhesion contribute to drug resistance.
  • Targeting extracellular interactions and downstream pathways are viable therapeutic approaches.
  • Modulating immune cell activity within the TME offers significant therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • The tumor microenvironment is a crucial determinant of therapeutic success and a key target for overcoming resistance.
  • Strategies involving TME modulation, including immune reprogramming, are essential for improving cancer treatment.
  • Rational drug combinations targeting both tumor cells and the TME represent a promising avenue for enhancing clinical outcomes.
Keywords:
MicroenvironmentResistanceTarget therapy

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