Targeting Oncoimmune Drivers of Cancer Metastasis

Abstract

Residual metastasis is a major cause of cancer-associated death. Recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the related cancer stem cells (CSCs) have revealed the landscapes of cancer metastasis and are promising contributions to clinical treatments. However, this rarely leads to practical advances in the management of cancer in clinical settings, and thus cancer metastasis is still a threat to patients. The reason for this may be the heterogeneity and complexity caused by the evolutional transformation of tumor cells through interactions with the host environment, which is composed of numerous components, including stromal cells, vascular cells, and immune cells. The reciprocal evolution further raises the possibility of successful tumor escape, resulting in a fatal prognosis for patients. To disrupt the vicious spiral of tumor–immunity aggravation, it is important to understand the entire metastatic process and the practical implementations. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular and cellular links between tumors’ biological properties and host immunity, mainly focusing on EMT and CSCs, and we also highlight therapeutic agents targeting the oncoimmune determinants driving cancer metastasis toward better practical use in the treatment of cancer patients.

Dacomitinib improves chemosensitivity of cisplatin‑resistant human ovarian cancer cells

“…CDH1 and SLUG proteins are important EMT related proteins (21,22). EMT related proteins serve an important role in migration of different cancer cells including OC cells (35). During EMT, epithelial-type cancer cells undergo molecular (epigenetic changes), morphological (biomechanical forces), and functional changes (invasive ability) (36).…”

Resveratrol and Its Analogs: Potent Agents to Reverse Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Tumors

“…EMT is an evolutionarily conserved process whereby epithelial cells lose cell junctions and apical-basal polarity, and are eventually converted into migratory mesenchymal phenotype (64). As a key program, EMT participates in the development of embryogenesis such as gastrulation and tissue morphogenesis, as well as wound healing of adult (65). In addition, EMT has been related to different cancer functions, especially for tumor invasion and metastasis, tumor stemness and resistance to therapy (66).…”

Icariside II: Anticancer Potential and Molecular Targets in Solid Cancers

“…Metastasis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients (Kudo-Saito et al, 2021). It is a multistep process through which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to the bloodstream, lymphatic system, or distant parts of the body.…”