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Pharmacological and immunological targeting of tumor mesenchymalization

Justin M David1, Charli Dominguez1, Claudia Palena1

  • 1Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.

Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|December 6, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Tumor cells can change their phenotype, aiding cancer spread. New drugs and immune therapies target these adaptable cancer cells to improve treatment outcomes for metastatic disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Metastatic carcinoma remains a primary challenge in cancer therapy due to its resistance to treatment.
  • Tumor cell phenotypic plasticity, characterized by dynamic transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal states, is a key driver of cancer progression and metastasis.
  • Understanding these phenotypic shifts offers new therapeutic targets to control tumor cell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the significance of phenotypic plasticity in tumor biology.
  • To discuss novel pharmacological and immunological strategies targeting tumor cell plasticity.
  • To highlight recent advancements in controlling mesenchymal-like tumor cells.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on cancer cell plasticity.
  • Analysis of emerging pharmacological agents targeting mesenchymal phenotypes.
  • Evaluation of novel immunological approaches against mesenchymalized tumor cells.

Main Results:

  • Phenotypic plasticity is a central mechanism in cancer progression and metastasis.
  • Pharmacological agents can selectively target or revert mesenchymal tumor cells.
  • Immunological strategies are being developed to eliminate mesenchymalized tumor cells.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting tumor cell phenotypic plasticity offers promising therapeutic avenues.
  • Pharmacological and immunological interventions show potential in controlling metastatic disease.
  • Further research into phenotypic plasticity is crucial for developing more effective cancer treatments.
Keywords:
BrachyuryCancer vaccineEpithelial-mesenchymal transitionStemness

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