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Therapeutic targeting approach on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to combat cancer metastasis

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Abstract

Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a process in which epithelial cells lose their characteristics and acquire mesenchymal properties, leading to increased motility and invasiveness, which are key factors in cancer metastasis. Targeting EMP has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to combat cancer metastasis. Various strategies have been developed to target EMP, including inhibition of key signaling pathways, such as TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, that regulate EMP, as well as targeting specific transcription factors, such as Snail, Slug, and Twist, that promote EMP. Additionally, targeting the tumor microenvironment, which plays a critical role in promoting EMP, has also shown promise. Several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EMP-targeting therapies in inhibiting cancer metastasis. However, further research is needed to optimize these strategies and improve their clinical efficacy. Overall, therapeutic targeting of EMP represents a promising approach for the development of novel cancer therapies that can effectively inhibit metastasis, a major cause of cancer-related mortality.

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  1. Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751004, India

    Adyasha Bijay Mishra & Sudhansu Sekhar Nishank

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Mishra, A.B., Nishank, S.S. Therapeutic targeting approach on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to combat cancer metastasis. Med Oncol 40, 190 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-023-02049-y

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