Cancer cell membrane (CCM) (CCM)

The cancer cell membrane is a complex lipid bilayer that serves as the primary interface between a malignant cell and its microenvironment, characterized by distinct biochemical alterations compared to non-malignant cells [Zalba & Ten Hagen, 2017]. These alterations include the externalization of phosphatidylserine, changes in lipid raft composition, and increased membrane fluidity, which collectively support rapid proliferation, metabolic adaptation, and resistance to apoptosis [Birge et al., 2016; Zalba & Ten Hagen, 2017]. In the context of oncology, the membrane is considered a therapeutic target for various agents, including alkylphosphocholines and oncolytic peptides, which exploit these unique physical properties to induce selective cell lysis or immunogenic cell death [Camilio et al., 2014; van Blitterswijk & Verheij, 2013]. Furthermore, the membrane's surface proteins and glycolipids act as docking sites for targeted delivery systems, although the inherent heterogeneity of the membrane presents significant challenges for achieving high specificity [Zalba & Ten Hagen, 2017]. By disrupting the structural integrity or signaling functions of the membrane, these therapies aim to bypass traditional drug resistance mechanisms found in intracellular pathways [van Blitterswijk & Verheij, 2013].

Other names

Tumor cell membraneNeoplastic plasma membraneMalignant cell membraneCell membrane of cancer cells

Drugs targeting the cancer cell membrane typically act through physical disruption of the lipid bilayer, induction of pore formation leading to lysis, or by binding to specific lipids like phosphatidylserine to trigger immune-mediated destruction or inhibit pro-survival signaling pathways [Birge et al., 2016; Camilio et al., 2014; van Blitterswijk & Verheij, 2013].