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The complex interplay of tumor-infiltrating cells in driving therapeutic resistance pathways

Dengxiong Li1, Fanglin Shao2, Qingxin Yu3,4

  • 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.

Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS
|August 19, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) can overcome cancer drug resistance. Understanding infiltrating cells and factors like inflammation and metabolism is key to developing new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Drug resistance is a major obstacle in cancer therapy.
  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in mediating resistance.
  • Interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells influence treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on infiltrating cells within the TME and their role in drug resistance.
  • To explore factors contributing to drug resistance, such as inflammation, metabolism, senescence, hypoxia, and angiogenesis.
  • To evaluate the potential of targeting the TME as a strategy to overcome cancer therapy resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing current research findings.
  • Analysis of studies investigating cellular interactions within the TME.
  • Examination of molecular mechanisms, including STAT3 overexpression, implicated in drug resistance.

Main Results:

  • The TME significantly influences cancer drug resistance through various cellular and molecular mechanisms.
  • Factors like inflammation, altered metabolism, senescence, hypoxia, and angiogenesis contribute to resistance.
  • STAT3 overexpression is frequently observed in drug-resistant cancer and stromal cells.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the TME presents a promising strategy to combat cancer drug resistance.
  • Further research is needed to enhance specificity and statistical robustness in understanding stromal cell contributions.
  • High-quality evidence is crucial for validating TME-targeted therapies.
Keywords:
Drug resistanceImmunotherapyInfiltrated cellsRadiotherapyTargeted therapyTumor microenvironment

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