Abstract
While many cellular mechanisms leading to chemotherapeutic resistance have been identified, there is an increasing realization that tumor-stroma interactions also play an important role. In particular, mechanical alterations are inherent to solid cancer progression and profoundly impact cell physiology. Here, we explore the influence of compressive stress on the efficacy of chemotherapeutics in pancreatic cancer spheroids. We find that increased compressive stress leads to decreased drug efficacy. Theoretical modeling and experiments suggest that mechanical stress decreases cell proliferation which in turn reduces the efficacy of chemotherapeutics that target proliferating cells. Our work highlights a mechanical form of drug resistance and suggests new strategies for therapy.
- Received 20 January 2020
- Accepted 7 August 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.128103
© 2020 American Physical Society
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Focus
Compression of Tumors Causes Drug Resistance
Published 18 September 2020
Pressure that develops as a tumor grows can limit the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments.
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