Tumor cell membranes and extracellular matrix components

Tumor cell membranes and extracellular matrix (ECM) components represent the physical and biochemical framework of the tumor microenvironment (Source: Nature Reviews Cancer, PMID: 24481438). The tumor cell membrane is a dynamic lipid bilayer that often exhibits altered composition, such as the externalization of phosphatidylserine, which serves as a marker for therapeutic targeting (Source: Journal of Controlled Release, PMID: 21872634). The ECM is a complex network of fibrous proteins like collagen and glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronan that provides structural integrity to the tumor mass (Source: Science, PMID: 24812394). In many cancers, a dense, desmoplastic ECM creates high interstitial fluid pressure, acting as a barrier to the delivery of standard chemotherapy (Source: Cancer Cell, PMID: 22445341). Therapeutic interventions targeting these structures aim to either directly destroy the tumor via membrane-localized photosensitizers like Porfimer sodium or remodel the ECM using enzymes like hyaluronidase to facilitate better drug distribution and immune cell infiltration (Source: FDA, Photofrin Label; Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, PMID: 31573903).

Other names

Tumor microenvironment componentsNeoplastic cell surface and stromal matrixCancer cell membranes and ECM

Drugs targeting these components typically work through photosensitization to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated cell death, or through enzymatic degradation of the extracellular matrix to reduce interstitial fluid pressure and enhance the penetration of co-administered chemotherapeutics (Source: Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, PMID: 27199156).