Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Tumor Microenvironment Research

Background:

• Cancer development is intrinsically linked to the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• Tumor cells undergo genetic alterations leading to uncontrolled growth, apoptosis resistance, and the Warburg effect.
• These cellular changes induce TME conditions like hypoxia, oxidative stress, and acidosis, promoting extracellular matrix remodeling, stromal and immune cell responses, angiogenesis, and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the common features in the TME maturation of epithelial-derived tumors.
• To emphasize the role of exosomes secreted by TME cells in cancer progression.
• To underscore the impact of TME on prognosis and anti-cancer therapy efficacy, driving the need for novel therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of common TME maturation features in epithelial-derived tumors.
• Analysis of the role of exosomes in TME-driven cancer events.
• Examination of current therapeutic strategies targeting TME components.
• Evaluation of advanced TME modeling techniques for research.

Main Results:

• The TME significantly influences cancer development, metastasis, and therapeutic outcomes.
• Exosomes play a crucial role in mediating TME-associated cancer progression.
• Existing therapeutic strategies are being expanded to include combined therapies and nanomedicines.
• Novel TME models, such as tumor-on-a-chip and spheroids, are being developed for better preclinical investigation.

Conclusions:

• The TME is a critical determinant of cancer prognosis and treatment response.
• Targeting TME components offers promising avenues for enhanced anti-cancer therapies.
• Advanced TME models are essential for accurate preclinical research and therapeutic development.