Therapeutic Implications of the Interactions between Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumour Microenvironment | Chapter 6 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 1

 

The tumour microenvironment (TME) is composed of various cellular and non-cellular elements, including immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and soluble factors such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. The dynamic interaction between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the TME is now recognised as a critical driver of tumour progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Targeting this molecular crosstalk presents a promising avenue for improving cancer treatment outcomes. This review explores the therapeutic implications of the interactions between cancer stem cells and the tumour microenvironment. CSC-derived exosomes serve as key mediators of communication with the TME, fostering tumour growth by sustaining CSC stemness, promoting angiogenesis, facilitating metastatic spread, and shaping an immunosuppressive milieu through immune modulation. Emerging evidence underscores the therapeutic potential of disrupting this supportive CSC niche, reprogramming immune responses, and blocking exosome-mediated signalling to eliminate CSCs and counteract resistance. Novel strategies such as precision stem cell therapies, personalised approaches tailored to TME characteristics, and advanced 3D tumour models or organoids are driving the development of more effective, individualised interventions. Moreover, 3D tumour models and organoids are evolving in response to treatment, identifying biomarkers of resistance, and testing new drugs designed to overcome the therapeutic barriers. MSCs in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors have reported encouraging outcomes, including increased tumour response rates and prolonged survival in patients with certain cancers like melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Furthermore, combining immunotherapy with CSC-directed treatments holds promise for enhancing clinical efficacy. Sustained research into CSC–TME interactions remains essential for translating these mechanistic insights into transformative cancer therapies.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Sharmy Saimon Mano
Department of Biotechnology, Hindusthan College of Arts and Science, Avinashi Road, Behind Nava, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu-641 028, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v1/6475