Targeting Immune Cells:Immunotherapy aims to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, for example, block proteins that suppress immune responses, thereby promoting the activity of T cells against tumors. Inhibiting Angiogenesis: Therapies that inhibit angiogenesis can starve tumors of nutrients and oxygen. Anti-angiogenic drugs target signaling pathways involved in blood vessel formation, such as the VEGF pathway. Modifying the Extracellular Matrix: Enzymes that degrade the ECM or inhibitors of ECM remodeling can reduce tumor invasion and metastasis. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors are one example. Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Strategies to inhibit or reprogram CAFs can disrupt their pro-tumorigenic activities. This can involve targeting specific signaling pathways or using drugs that alter fibroblast behavior. Altering Signaling Molecules: Blocking or modulating the activity of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors can disrupt the communication between cancer cells and their microenvironment. For example, anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the production of pro-tumorigenic cytokines.
