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Tumor Discovery

MINI-REVIEW
Exploring the cell-to-cell communication

network to better defeat cancer

Chen Yeh* , Thierry Madison, and Krushna Plas
Department of of Precision Oncology, OncoDxRx, Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Abstract

Just like us, cells communicate, but in their own unique way. Using waves as their
common language, cells signal to each other about where and when to move. They
talk, share information, and collaborate. The human body comprises trillions of cells
that continuously adapt to their surroundings, exchanging millions of vital signals for
survival. This communication must be meticulously regulated, as any disruption can
lead to errors, such as the abnormal cell growth observed in cancer. The interaction
between cancer cells and their neighboring cells is bidirectional, involving a
complex network of mechanisms that can drive aggressive tumor behaviors—such
as rapid growth, spread, and treatment resistance—or, conversely, act to suppress
malignancy. This dynamic interplay within the tumor microenvironment unfolds
through two primary modes: direct communication through physical cell contact,
mediated by adhesion molecules, electrical signals, or the exchange of materials
through gap junctions, and indirect communication facilitated by paracrine signaling.
The latter involves the release of signaling molecules like cytokines, growth factors,
and extracellular vesicles. Disrupting these cellular dialogues presents a promising
*Corresponding author:
Chen Yeh therapeutic frontier. Specifically, strategies that integrate interventions targeting
(cyeh.oncodxrx@gmail.com) tumor communication pathways with conventional chemotherapy could enhance
Citation: Yeh C, Madison T, treatment efficacy, offering a synergistic approach to hinder cancer progression and
Plas K. Exploring the cell-to-cell improve outcomes. This article delves into the role of cell-to-cell communication
communication network to better in cancer development, its impact on metastasis, and how ongoing research is
defeat cancer. Tumor Discov.
2025;4(2):92-99. broadening our understanding of the disease.
doi: 10.36922/td.8323
Received: December 31, 2024 Keywords: Cell; Communication; Cancer; Microenvironment; Metastasis
Revised: March 21, 2025
Accepted: March 31, 2025
Published online: April 17, 2025 1. Introduction
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s). Cell-to-cell communication refers to the way cells interact to maintain homeostasis or
This is an Open-Access article normal functioning. It is similar to a conversation between people, where one cell sends
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution signals or engages in physical interactions, and the receiving cell responds accordingly.
License, permitting distribution, For instance, a cell might express and/or secrete a peptide or a ligand, which a neighboring
and reproduction in any medium, cell receives, interprets, and acts upon. This process is crucial for normal human tissue
provided the original work is
properly cited. development and functioning, particularly in the differentiation and specialization of
cells, such as stem cells. 1
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with Cells communicate in various ways, such as secreting hormones that bind to receptors
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional on neighboring cells and through direct surface contact. These signals and interactions
2
affiliations. regulate cell growth, death, and differentiation. In cancer, this communication is

Volume 4 Issue 2 (2025) 92 doi: 10.36922/td.8323