The Role of Mechanobiology in Cancer Metastasis

A Strategy Utilizing Protein–Protein Interaction Hubs for the Treatment of Cancer Diseases

“…In the area of cancer research, one major promise of the so-called "cancer-on-a-chip", or "tumor-on-a-chip", is that they can help us understand the role of mechano-stimuli in cancer development and metastasis [105,106]. Mechanical forces play a crucial role in cancer pathogenesis, especially involving the metastasis biomechanics scenario.…”

“…Mechanical forces play a crucial role in cancer pathogenesis, especially involving the metastasis biomechanics scenario. The malignant progress involves a complex interplay of both acellular and cellular factors, including extracellular matrix, nutrient levels, and immune cells [105]. The pathological biomechanical conditions that contribute to the development and progression of cancer are frequently characterized by three factors: (i) uncontrolled proliferation of tumor cells within a confined space, resulting in mechanical stress on the surrounding tissue; (ii) increased deposition of extracellular matrix components, which leads to abnormal tissue stiffness; and (iii) altered mechanical forces within the tumor microenvironment that facilitate cancer cell migration and invasion [101,105].…”

“…The malignant progress involves a complex interplay of both acellular and cellular factors, including extracellular matrix, nutrient levels, and immune cells [105]. The pathological biomechanical conditions that contribute to the development and progression of cancer are frequently characterized by three factors: (i) uncontrolled proliferation of tumor cells within a confined space, resulting in mechanical stress on the surrounding tissue; (ii) increased deposition of extracellular matrix components, which leads to abnormal tissue stiffness; and (iii) altered mechanical forces within the tumor microenvironment that facilitate cancer cell migration and invasion [101,105]. For instance, using patient-derived tumor biopsy samples, a personalized "tumor-on-a-chip" device could enable real-time monitoring of the anticancer efficacy of adoptive T cell immunotherapy and the responses of resident lymphocyte populations [107].…”

Engineering mechanobiology through organoids‐on‐chip: A strategy to boost therapeutics

“…According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second cause of death globally with an economic impact estimated at US$ 1.16 trillion per year (Stewart & Wild, 2014). Accordingly, there is an urge to develop new strategies to unravel the mechanistic knowledge behind cancer (e.g., ECM remodeling, collagen content, oxygen levels) and cellular factors (immune cells, mesenchymal stem cells, tissue-resident cells) (Lynch et al, 2020). The pathological biomechanical scenario for cancer to perpetuate is often characterized by (i) the uncontrollable proliferation of tumor cells in a limited space generating stress in the surrounding tissue, (ii) augmented ECM deposition leading to its abnormal stiffness, and (iii) interstitial fluid flow caused by increased angiogenesis within the tumor (Lynch et al, 2020).…”

“…Accordingly, there is an urge to develop new strategies to unravel the mechanistic knowledge behind cancer (e.g., ECM remodeling, collagen content, oxygen levels) and cellular factors (immune cells, mesenchymal stem cells, tissue-resident cells) (Lynch et al, 2020). The pathological biomechanical scenario for cancer to perpetuate is often characterized by (i) the uncontrollable proliferation of tumor cells in a limited space generating stress in the surrounding tissue, (ii) augmented ECM deposition leading to its abnormal stiffness, and (iii) interstitial fluid flow caused by increased angiogenesis within the tumor (Lynch et al, 2020). Indeed, it has been shown that tensile forces are directly related to the invasiveness and dissemination of tumor cells to other organs (Kopanska et al, 2016).…”