Tumor Heterogeneity in Breast Cancer and Its Implication in Drug Resistance

Bhumika Wadhwa and Vasiyani H

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

^*Correspondance to: Bhumika Wadhwa 

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Abstract:

Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of death in women. Understanding the mechanism underlying the origin and progression of the cancer is important. Malignant cells spread from a primary tumor to distal organs in a process known as metastasis. There is a variety of interconnected cell types in solid tumors, including Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem-like Cells (MSCs) and Tumor- Associated Macrophages (TAMs). The stroma or tumor microenvironment has been shown to be significantly altered by breast cancer not only because of its neoplastic cells, but also because of alterations in the surrounding cells. Despite the fact that the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in cancer initiation, growth, progression, invasion, and metastasis, the molecular mechanisms underlying these tumor-promoting effects are unclear. Pathologic assessment of Tumor Microenvironments (TMEs) has become increasingly important for breast cancer treatment which contributes to tumor heterogeneity. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that TME has become increasingly recognized as a treatment target. Since breast cancer development and progression are severely impacted by the alterations which are also potential therapeutic targets. Herein, we examine the molecular changes of breast cancer microenvironments, the interactions between cancer cells and various types of cells, and the clinical relevance of these findings. This review discusses the TME of breast cancer, the pathologic assessments that are relevant to prognostication and treatment decision based on the TME, and the therapeutic options that interact with and/or exploit the breast cancer TME.

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Cite the Article:

Bhumika Wadhwa and Vasiyani H. Tumor Heterogeneity in Breast Cancer and Its Implication in Drug Resistance. Clin Oncol. 2024;9:2111..