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Updated: Jan 2, 2026

MAME Models for 4D Live-cell Imaging of Tumor: Microenvironment Interactions that Impact Malignant Progression
08:26

MAME Models for 4D Live-cell Imaging of Tumor: Microenvironment Interactions that Impact Malignant Progression

Published on: February 17, 2012

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Targeting Tumor Microenvironment by Small-Molecule Inhibitors

Shangwei Zhong1, Ji-Hak Jeong2, Zhikang Chen3

  • 1The Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.

Translational Oncology
|December 1, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) with small-molecule inhibitors offers a promising strategy for cancer treatment. These inhibitors show improved penetration and accessibility, enhancing efficacy against solid tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by hypoxia, acidity, and immune cell infiltration, significantly influencing tumor progression and treatment resistance.
  • Conventional chemotherapy often struggles with penetration and accessibility to cancer cells within the TME.
  • Targeting the TME presents a viable strategy for improving solid tumor treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in small-molecule inhibitors designed to target the TME for cancer therapy.
  • To highlight strategies focusing on TME-specific targeting or drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on small-molecule inhibitors and TME-targeting strategies.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on drug penetration, accessibility, and TME component targeting.

Main Results:

  • Small-molecule inhibitors demonstrate superior penetration and accessibility compared to conventional chemotherapies.
  • Emerging strategies involve developing inhibitors that specifically target TME components or utilize TME-responsive drug delivery systems.

Conclusions:

  • Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the TME represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
  • Further research into TME-specific therapies holds great potential for overcoming treatment resistance and improving patient outcomes.

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