Open AccessModifying the tumour microenvironment and reverting tumour cells: New strategies for treating malignant tumours
Author(s) -
Cheng Ya Qi,
Wang Shou Bi,
Liu Jia Hui,
Jin Lin,
Liu Ying,
Li Chao Yang,
Su Ya Ru,
Liu Yu Run,
Sang Xuan,
Wan Qi,
Liu Chang,
Yang Liu,
Wang Zhi Chong
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
cell proliferation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.647
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-2184
pISSN - 0960-7722
DOI - 10.1111/cpr.12865
Subject(s) - tumor microenvironment , stromal cell , cancer research , microvesicles , stem cell , immune system , embryonic stem cell , metastasis , biology , tumour heterogeneity , angiogenesis , mesenchymal stem cell , immunology , cancer , microbiology and biotechnology , microrna , biochemistry , genetics , gene
The tumour microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in tumour fate determination. The TME acts together with the genetic material of tumour cells to determine their initiation, metastasis and drug resistance. Stromal cells in the TME promote the growth and metastasis of tumour cells by secreting soluble molecules or exosomes. The abnormal microenvironment reduces immune surveillance and tumour killing. The TME causes low anti‐tumour drug penetration and reactivity and high drug resistance. Tumour angiogenesis and microenvironmental hypoxia limit the drug concentration within the TME and enhance the stemness of tumour cells. Therefore, modifying the TME to effectively attack tumour cells could represent a comprehensive and effective anti‐tumour strategy. Normal cells, such as stem cells and immune cells, can penetrate and disrupt the abnormal TME. Reconstruction of the TME with healthy cells is an exciting new direction for tumour treatment. We will elaborate on the mechanism of the TME to support tumours and the current cell therapies for targeting tumours and the TME—such as immune cell therapies, haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation therapies, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transfer and embryonic stem cell‐based microenvironment therapies—to provide novel ideas for producing breakthroughs in tumour therapy strategies.