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Tufail M. Unlocking the potential of the tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154846. [PMID: 37837860 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) holds a crucial role in the progression of cancer. Epithelial-derived tumors share common traits in shaping the TME. The Warburg effect is a notable phenomenon wherein tumor cells exhibit resistance to apoptosis and an increased reliance on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production. Recognizing the pivotal role of the TME in controlling tumor growth and influencing responses to chemotherapy, researchers have focused on developing potential cancer treatment strategies. A wide array of therapies, including immunotherapies, antiangiogenic agents, interventions targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and therapies directed at the extracellular matrix, have been under investigation and have demonstrated efficacy. Additionally, innovative techniques such as tumor tissue explants, "tumor-on-a-chip" models, and multicellular tumor spheres have been explored in laboratory research. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the intricate cross-talk between cancer-associated signaling pathways and the TME in cancer progression, current therapeutic approaches targeting the TME, the immune landscape within solid tumors, the role of the viral TME, and cancer cell metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
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Babar Q, Saeed A, Tabish TA, Sarwar M, Thorat ND. Targeting the tumor microenvironment: Potential strategy for cancer therapeutics. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166746. [PMID: 37160171 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Cellular and stromal components including tumor cells, immune cells, mesenchymal cells, cancer-linked fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix, constituent tumor microenvironment (TME). TME plays a crucial role in reprogramming tumor initiation, uncontrolled proliferation, invasion and metastasis as well as response to therapeutic modalities. In recent years targeting the TME has developed as a potential strategy for treatment of cancer because of its life-threatening functions in restricting tumor development and modulating responses to standard-of-care medicines. Cold atmospheric plasma, oncolytic viral therapy, bacterial therapy, nano-vaccine, and repurposed pharmaceuticals with combination therapy, antiangiogenic drugs, and immunotherapies are among the most effective therapies directed by TME that have either been clinically authorized or are currently being studied. This article discusses above-mentioned therapies in light of targeting TME. We also cover problems related to the TME-targeted therapies, as well as future insights and practical uses in this rapidly growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quratulain Babar
- Department of Biochemistry Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Saeed
- Department of Biochemistry Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Tanveer A Tabish
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Mohsin Sarwar
- Department of Biochemistry University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nanasaheb D Thorat
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, Castletroy, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland; Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, John Radcliffe Hospital, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom; Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre (LDCRC) University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland.
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Combinatorial therapy in tumor microenvironment: Where do we stand? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188585. [PMID: 34224836 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in tumor initiation and progression by creating a dynamic interaction with cancer cells. The tumor microenvironment consists of various cellular components, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, pericytes, adipocytes, immune cells, cancer stem cells and vasculature, which provide a sustained environment for cancer cell proliferation. Currently, targeting tumor microenvironment is increasingly being explored as a novel approach to improve cancer therapeutics, as it influences the growth and expansion of malignant cells in various ways. Despite continuous advancements in targeted therapies for cancer treatment, drug resistance, toxicity and immune escape mechanisms are the basis of treatment failure and cancer escape. Targeting tumor microenvironment efficiently with approved drugs and combination therapy is the solution to this enduring challenge that involves combining more than one treatment modality such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and nanotherapy that can effectively and synergistically target the critical pathways associated with disease pathogenesis. This review shed light on the composition of the tumor microenvironment, interaction of different components within tumor microenvironment with tumor cells and associated hallmarks, the current status of combinatorial therapies being developed, and various growing advancements. Furthermore, computational tools can also be used to monitor the significance and outcome of therapies being developed. We addressed the perceived barriers and regulatory hurdles in developing a combinatorial regimen and evaluated the present status of these therapies in the clinic. The accumulating depth of knowledge about the tumor microenvironment in cancer may facilitate further development of effective treatment modalities. This review presents the tumor microenvironment as a sweeping landscape for developing novel cancer therapies.
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Zahan T, Das PK, Akter SF, Habib R, Rahman MH, Karim MR, Islam F. Therapy Resistance in Cancers: Phenotypic, Metabolic, Epigenetic and Tumour Microenvironmental Perspectives. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:2190-2206. [PMID: 32748758 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620999200730161829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemoresistance is a vital problem in cancer therapy where cancer cells develop mechanisms to encounter the effect of chemotherapeutics, resulting in cancer recurrence. In addition, chemotherapy- resistant leads to the formation of a more aggressive form of cancer cells, which, in turn, contributes to the poor survival of patients with cancer. OBJECTIVE In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of how the therapy resistance property evolves in cancer cells, contributing factors and their role in cancer chemoresistance, and exemplified the problems of some available therapies. METHODS The published literature on various electronic databases including, Pubmed, Scopus, Google scholar containing keywords cancer therapy resistance, phenotypic, metabolic and epigenetic factors, were vigorously searched, retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS Cancer cells have developed a range of cellular processes, including uncontrolled activation of Epithelial- Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic alterations. These cellular processes play significant roles in the generation of therapy resistance. Furthermore, the microenvironment where cancer cells evolve effectively contributes to the process of chemoresistance. In tumour microenvironment immune cells, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), endothelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to the maintenance of therapy-resistant phenotype via the secretion of factors that promote resistance to chemotherapy. CONCLUSION To conclude, as these factors hinder successful cancer therapies, therapeutic resistance property of cancer cells is a subject of intense research, which in turn could open a new horizon to aim for developing efficient therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim Zahan
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Plabon K Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Syeda F Akter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Rowshanul Habib
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Habibur Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh,Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
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Gallo G, Vescio G, De Paola G, Sammarco G. Therapeutic Targets and Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112295. [PMID: 34070480 PMCID: PMC8197564 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a genetically, anatomically, and transcriptionally heterogeneous disease. The prognosis for a CRC patient depends on the stage of the tumor at diagnosis and widely differs accordingly. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in CRC is an important factor affecting targeted cancer therapy. The TME has a dynamic composition including various cell types, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, regulatory T cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, as well as extracellular factors that surround cancer cells and have functional and structural roles under physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, the TME can limit the efficacy of therapeutic agents through high interstitial pressure, fibrosis, and the degradation of the therapeutic agents by enzymatic activity. For this reason, the TME is a fertile ground for the discovery of new drugs. The aim of this narrative review is to present current knowledge and future perspectives regarding the TME composition based on strategies for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Gallo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.V.); (G.D.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppina Vescio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.V.); (G.D.P.)
| | - Gilda De Paola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.V.); (G.D.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Sammarco
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
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Ramalho R, Rao M, Zhang C, Agrati C, Ippolito G, Wang FS, Zumla A, Maeurer M. Immunometabolism: new insights and lessons from antigen-directed cellular immune responses. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:279-313. [PMID: 32519148 PMCID: PMC7282544 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00798-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Modulation of immune responses by nutrients is an important area of study in cellular biology and clinical sciences in the context of cancer therapies and anti-pathogen-directed immune responses in health and disease. We review metabolic pathways that influence immune cell function and cellular persistence in chronic infections. We also highlight the role of nutrients in altering the tissue microenvironment with lessons from the tumor microenvironment that shapes the quality and quantity of cellular immune responses. Multiple layers of biological networks, including the nature of nutritional supplements, the genetic background, previous exposures, and gut microbiota status have impact on cellular performance and immune competence against molecularly defined targets. We discuss how immune metabolism determines the differentiation pathway of antigen-specific immune cells and how these insights can be explored to devise better strategies to strengthen anti-pathogen-directed immune responses, while curbing unwanted, non-productive inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Ramalho
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM, U4585 FCT), Applied Nutrition Studies Group G.E.N.A.-IUEM), Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, Egas Moniz Higher Education School, Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Martin Rao
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Chao Zhang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.
- I Medizinische Klinik, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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Exosomes are the Driving Force in Preparing the Soil for the Metastatic Seeds: Lessons from the Prostate Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030564. [PMID: 32121073 PMCID: PMC7140426 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are nano-membrane vesicles that various cell types secrete during physiological and pathophysiological conditions. By shuttling bioactive molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids to target cells, exosomes serve as key regulators for multiple cellular processes, including cancer metastasis. Recently, microvesicles have emerged as a challenge in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), encountered either when the number of vesicles increases or when the vesicles move into circulation, potentially with an ability to induce drug resistance, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Notably, the exosomal cargo can induce the desmoplastic response of PCa-associated cells in a tumor microenvironment (TME) to promote PCa metastasis. However, the crosstalk between PCa-derived exosomes and the TME remains only partially understood. In this review, we provide new insights into the metabolic and molecular signatures of PCa-associated exosomes in reprogramming the TME, and the subsequent promotion of aggressive phenotypes of PCa cells. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of TME reprogramming by exosomes draws more practical and universal conclusions for the development of new therapeutic interventions when considering TME in the treatment of PCa patients.
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Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040840. [PMID: 30781344 PMCID: PMC6413095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 705] [Impact Index Per Article: 141.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer development is highly associated to the physiological state of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Despite the existing heterogeneity of tumors from the same or from different anatomical locations, common features can be found in the TME maturation of epithelial-derived tumors. Genetic alterations in tumor cells result in hyperplasia, uncontrolled growth, resistance to apoptosis, and metabolic shift towards anaerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect). These events create hypoxia, oxidative stress and acidosis within the TME triggering an adjustment of the extracellular matrix (ECM), a response from neighbor stromal cells (e.g., fibroblasts) and immune cells (lymphocytes and macrophages), inducing angiogenesis and, ultimately, resulting in metastasis. Exosomes secreted by TME cells are central players in all these events. The TME profile is preponderant on prognosis and impacts efficacy of anti-cancer therapies. Hence, a big effort has been made to develop new therapeutic strategies towards a more efficient targeting of TME. These efforts focus on: (i) therapeutic strategies targeting TME components, extending from conventional therapeutics, to combined therapies and nanomedicines; and (ii) the development of models that accurately resemble the TME for bench investigations, including tumor-tissue explants, “tumor on a chip” or multicellular tumor-spheroids.
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Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE There are a number of redox-active anticancer agents currently in development based on the premise that altered redox homeostasis is necessary for cancer cell's survival. Recent Advances: This review focuses on the relatively few agents that target cellular redox homeostasis to have entered clinical trial as anticancer drugs. CRITICAL ISSUES The success rate of redox anticancer drugs has been disappointing compared to other classes of anticancer agents. This is due, in part, to our incomplete understanding of the functions of the redox targets in normal and cancer tissues, leading to off-target toxicities and low therapeutic indexes of the drugs. The field also lags behind in the use biomarkers and other means to select patients who are most likely to respond to redox-targeted therapy. FUTURE DIRECTIONS If we wish to derive clinical benefit from agents that attack redox targets, then the future will require a more sophisticated understanding of the role of redox targets in cancer and the increased application of personalized medicine principles for their use. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 262-273.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Garth Powis
- 2 Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute Cancer Center , La Jolla, California
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