The effect of mechanical force in genitourinary malignancies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biophysics
• Cancer Mechanobiology

Background:

• Mechanical forces play a significant role in tumor progression, including angiogenesis, cancer cell invasion, metastasis, and metabolic reprogramming.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment are advancing.
• This review focuses on the mechanical aspects within the urinary tract cancer microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the molecular mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of mechanical forces in urinary tract cancers.
• To review medications relevant to the mechanical microenvironment of these cancers.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of existing literature on mechanical forces in urinary system malignancies.
• Focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying mechanical force effects for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

• Mechanical forces, including matrix stiffness and shear stress, are key factors in cancer progression.
• While force classification is understood, the specific molecular processes in urinary tract cancers remain largely unexplored.
• Current understanding of mechanical therapy's role is limited.

Conclusions:

• Classifying mechanical forces is established, but their molecular intricacies in urinary tract cancers require further elucidation.
• A deeper understanding of the molecular basis of mechanical force is essential before implementing mechanical therapies.
• Further research is needed to validate and refine mechanical therapy approaches in oncology.