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CD44 In Sarcomas: A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspectives.
Enrique Fernández-Tabanera1,2,3, Raquel M Melero-Fernández de Mera1,2, Javier Alonso1,2
1Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
Frontiers in Oncology
|July 5, 2022
Summary
The transmembrane protein CD44 is overexpressed in most sarcomas and impacts tumor progression and drug resistance. Further research into CD44 in various sarcoma types is crucial for developing novel targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The tumor microenvironment, including the extracellular matrix, influences tumor development via protein-membrane receptor interactions.
- Transmembrane protein CD44 is a key player in this process and its role in various cancers is well-documented.
- A comprehensive review of CD44's role specifically in sarcomas has been lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the available information on the role of CD44 in the development, maintenance, and progression of sarcomas.
- To analyze the implications of CD44 in sarcomas at prognostic, therapeutic, and mechanistic levels.
- To highlight the potential for novel therapies by investigating CD44's role in different sarcoma subgroups.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating CD44 in sarcomas.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo experimental data.
- Examination of prognostic and diagnostic value of CD44 and its isoforms.
Main Results:
- CD44 is overexpressed in most sarcomas, influencing tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance.
- CD44 (specifically the CD44v6 isoform) shows prognostic and diagnostic utility in osteosarcoma.
- HA-functionalized liposomes demonstrate potential as CD44-mediated drug delivery systems for osteosarcoma.
- Limited studies and small patient cohorts in non-osteosarcoma sarcomas yield inconclusive prognostic/diagnostic results for CD44.
Conclusions:
- CD44 plays a significant role in sarcoma development and progression, offering potential therapeutic targets.
- Further research into CD44's specific roles across diverse sarcoma subtypes is essential.
- Investigating CD44 could pave the way for innovative therapies and future clinical trials in sarcoma treatment.
