Targeting the tumor microenvironment: Potential strategy for cancer therapeutics

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular basis of disease 2023-08, Vol.1869 (6), p.166746-166746, Article 166746
• Main Authors: Babar, Quratulain, Saeed, Ayesha, Tabish, Tanveer A., Sarwar, Mohsin, Thorat, Nanasaheb D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fibroblasts - pathology; Humans; Immunotherapy; Neoplasms - pathology; Oncolytic virus; Repurposed drugs; Tumor associated macrophage; Tumor Microenvironment
• ISSN: 0925-4439; 1879-260X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166746

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. •Tumour microenvironment (TME) therapeutic targeting has long been seen as a potential anticancer approach.•TME is pivotal in tumor initiation, uncontrolled proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapies.•Recent progress in oncology and molecular biology has brought us closer to targeting the TME for cancer treatment.