Promising applications of nanotechnology in inhibiting chemo-resistance in solid tumors by targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)

Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Jan:170:115973. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115973. Epub 2023 Dec 7.

Abstract

The resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy, also known as chemo-resistance, poses a significant obstacle to cancer treatment and can ultimately result in patient mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the many factors and processes responsible for chemo-resistance. Studies have shown that targeting EMT can help overcome chemo-resistance, and nanotechnology and nanomedicine have emerged as promising approaches to achieve this goal. This article discusses the potential of nanotechnology in inhibiting EMT and proposes a viable strategy to combat chemo-resistance in various solid tumors, including breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. While nanotechnology has shown promising results in targeting EMT, further research is necessary to explore its full potential in overcoming chemo-resistance and discovering more effective methods in the future.

Keywords: Chemo-resistance; EMT; Nanotechnology; Signaling pathways; Solid tumors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms*
  • Nanotechnology