Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Cancer: Insights into Tumor Progression and Therapy

• DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202400370
• Publication Date: 2025-01-06T11:45:05Z
• Authors: Nimeet Desai; Deepak Sahel; Bhakti Kubal; Humzah Postwala; Yesha Shah; Vivek P Chavda; Clara Fernandes; Dharmendra K. Khatri; Lalitkumar K. Vora
• Keywords: Tumor progression

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) serves not only as a structural scaffold but also an active regulator of cancer progression, profoundly influencing tumor behaviour and the microenvironment (TME). This review focuses into pivotal role ECM alterations in facilitating metastasis explores therapeutic strategies aimed at counteracting these changes. We analyse targeted interventions against collagen, including approaches to inhibit its biosynthesis disrupt associated signalling pathways critical for architecture cell migration. Additionally, therapies addressing hyaluronan are reviewed, highlighting methods suppress synthesis enzymatic degrade it, thereby mitigating tumor‐promoting effects. discussion extends innovative modulating stiffness, focusing on roles cancer‐associated fibroblasts lysyl oxidases, which key contributors remodelling mechanical signalling. By strategically modifying components, aim enhance efficacy existing treatments, tackle resistance mechanisms, achieve more durable outcomes. Insights from recent studies clinical trials highlight promise overcoming treatment improving patient Advancing our understanding biology leads development effective therapies.