Novel therapeutic strategies: targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer

Nan Zhang; Aik Seng Ng; Shijie Cai; Qiu Li; Li Yang; David Kerr

doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00343-0

Novel therapeutic strategies: targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer

Lancet Oncol. 2021 Aug;22(8):e358-e368. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00343-0.

Authors

Nan Zhang¹, Aik Seng Ng², Shijie Cai², Qiu Li³, Li Yang⁴, David Kerr⁵

Affiliations

¹ West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; University of Oxford-Sichuan University Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Oxford, UK; Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
² Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; University of Oxford-Sichuan University Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Oxford, UK.
³ West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
⁴ West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; University of Oxford-Sichuan University Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Oxford, UK; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. Electronic address: yangli_hx@scu.edu.cn.
⁵ West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; University of Oxford-Sichuan University Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Oxford, UK.

PMID: 34339656
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00343-0

Abstract

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process during which cells lose their epithelial characteristics, for instance apical-basal cell polarity and cell-cell contact, and gain mesenchymal properties, such as increased motility. In colorectal cancer, EMT has an important role in tumour progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. There has been accumulating evidence from preclinical and early clinical studies that show that EMT markers might serve as outcome predictors and potential therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer. This Review describes the fundamentals of EMT, including biology, newly partial EMT, and associated changes. We also provide a comprehensive summary of therapeutic compounds capable of targeting EMT markers, including drugs in preclinical and clinical trials and those with repurpose potential. Lastly, we explore the obstacles of EMT bench-to-bedside drug development.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology*
Drug Discovery / methods
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / drug effects*
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / physiology*
Humans

Substances

Antineoplastic Agents