Cold atmospheric plasma: Novel opportunities for tumor microenvironment targeting

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a significant role in carcinogenesis.
• Understanding TME components is key to developing novel cancer therapies.
• The TME is increasingly recognized as a critical therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate current knowledge on TME components and their functionalities.
• To categorize existing therapeutic approaches targeting TME cellular components.
• To explore the potential benefits of cold atmospheric plasma in targeting the TME.

Main Methods:

• Identification and focus on primary cellular components within the TME: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells.
• Decomposition of the primary functionalities of these cellular components during carcinogenesis.
• Forecasting potential benefits of cold atmospheric plasma as a redox-modulating tool targeting the TME.

Main Results:

• Detailed analysis of the roles of key TME cellular components in cancer development.
• Categorization of current therapeutic strategies based on TME component targeting.
• Identification of cold atmospheric plasma as a potential therapeutic agent for TME modulation.

Conclusions:

• Insights into TME components and their functionalities can reveal novel therapeutic opportunities.
• Targeting the TME, particularly through redox modulation with cold atmospheric plasma, may offer a new anti-cancer strategy.
• Leveraging redox homeostasis and immunostasis presents a promising avenue for cancer control.