This review paper is led by Dr. Yongjun Dang (Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University). 

The research is published in MedComm – Oncology.

TME is the ecosystem surrounding a tumour, which usually consists of non-tumoral cells and molecules they produce and release. The interplay between tumour cells and the TME significantly impacts tumour development, metastasis, as well as responses to therapeutic treatments.

Serving as a reservoir of potential therapeutic targets, the TME has garnered considerable attention and momentum within cancer research.

Staying abreast of the latest research in this field is imperative to inform the development of novel cancer therapies.

This review delves into the latest advancements in drug and therapy development targeting the TME, offering a promising strategy to inhibit tumour progression at different stages and in multiple cancer types.

The review highlights the roles of the three major TME components including immune cells, stromal cells, and ECM proteins.

The review mainly focuses on potential therapeutic targets modulating these three TME components, including targets modulating tumour immune response, indirectly activating the anti-tumour immune response, regulating functions of stromal cells and key genes directly altering ECM proteins in TME.

During cancer development, tumour cells adapt and evolve, evading the immune response through various mechanisms known as "adaptive immune resistance" (AIR).

This review highlights the need to target immune cells effectively to disrupt tumour growth and enhance immunotherapy outcomes.

Stromal cells provide a supportive environment for tumour cells and contribute to tumour growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis.

By targeting stromal cells, novel therapeutic strategies aim to disrupt this supportive network, starving the tumour of its necessary resources.

ECM provides a structural framework for cells and plays a crucial role in cell adhesion, migration, and signalling.

Targeting ECM proteins offers a promising therapeutic approach to disrupt tumour cell interactions and halt cancer progression.

The review concludes with an assessment of the future landscape of cancer treatment in the context of the TME.

As research in this field continues to progress, it is imperative to stay abreast of the latest advancements to inform the development of novel cancer therapies.

This review provides a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians alike, offering insights into the complex interactions within the TME and potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

As the field of cancer research continues to evolve, these findings offer hope for more effective and targeted treatment options for patients with various types of cancer.

Source: Sichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association