A narrative review of the migration and invasion features of non-small cell lung cancer cells upon xenobiotic exposure: insights from in vitro studies

Abstract

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, being non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) sub-types the most prevalent. Since most LC cases are only detected during the last stage of the disease the high mortality rate is strongly associated with metastases. For this reason, the migratory and invasive capacity of these cancer cells as well as the mechanisms involved have long been studied to uncover novel strategies to prevent metastases and improve the patients' prognosis. This narrative review provides an overview of the main in vitro migration and invasion assays employed in NSCLC research. While several methods have been developed, experiments using conventional cell culture models prevailed, specifically the wound-healing and the transwell migration and invasion assays. Moreover, it is provided herewith a summary of the available information concerning chemical contaminants that may promote the migratory/ invasive properties of NSCLC cells in vitro, shedding some light on possible LC risk factors. Most of the reported agents with pro-migration/invasion effects derive from cigarette smoking [e.g., Benzo(a)pyrene and cadmium] and air pollution. This review further presents several studies in which different dietary/ plant-derived compounds demonstrated to impair migration/invasion processes in NSCLC cells in vitro.These chemicals that have been proposed as anti-migratory consisted mainly of natural bioactive substances, including polyphenols non-flavonoids, flavonoids, bibenzyls, terpenes, alkaloids, and steroids. Some of these compounds may eventually represent novel therapeutic strategies to be considered in the future to prevent metastasis formation in LC, which highlights the need for additional in vitro methodologies that more closely resemble the in vivo tumor microenvironment and cancer cell interactions. These studies along with adequate in vivo models should be further explored as proof of concept for the most promising compounds.

Synthesis and In Vitro Antitumor Activity Evaluation of Gefitinib-1,2,3-Triazole Derivatives

“…When tumor cells proliferate to a certain extent, they may detach from the primary site and metastasize to other organs in the body [ 26 ]. NSCLC is a highly metastatic cancer, and the low five-year survival rate is closely related to the high metastasis of lung cancer cells [ 27 ]. Therefore, the metastasis of tumor cells is an important cause of death in cancer patients.…”

Isoginkgetin inhibits lung cancer cell progression through miR-27a-5p/APEX1 axis

“…Chemotherapy drugs are expensive and have very toxic side effects. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicines have the advantages of multiple targets, low toxic side effects, wide sources and reliable effects, and they are often used as adjuvant therapies for lung cancer [3].…”

“…Since there are no obvious clinical features in the early stage, many cases are not diagnosed until the disease has advanced [2]. In addition, tumor cell migration and invasion are the main factors that affect the improvement of survival rate after lung cancer treatment [3]. Therefore, it is very important to identify and develop new anti-tumor drugs that inhibit lung cancer metastasis.…”

PPy@Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Inhibit Tumor Growth and Metastasis Through Chemodynamic and Photothermal Therapy in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

“…In metastasis, cancer cells invade and migrate from the primary site to the extracellular matrix and surrounding basement membrane, which further colonize the distant site. ( Albuquerque et al, 2021 ) Therefore, the inhibition of migration and invasion could suppress the progression of lung cancer and extend the survival of patients. In our research, transwell chambers were established to confirm the inhibitory efficacy of PPy@Fe 3 O 4 NPs on A549 cell migration.…”