Disconnecting multicellular networks in brain tumours

This Perspective discusses the role of multicellular tumour networks, formed by tumour microtubes and tunnelling nanotubes, in brain tumours. It also discusses their relevance to therapy resistance and how these networks might be therapeutically targeted, and their potential relevance in other cancer types. Cancer cells can organize and communicate in functional networks. Similarly to other networks in biology and sociology, these can be highly relevant for growth and resilience. In this Perspective, we demonstrate by the example of glioblastomas and other incurable brain tumours how versatile multicellular tumour networks are formed by two classes of long intercellular membrane protrusions: tumour microtubes and tunnelling nanotubes. The resulting networks drive tumour growth and resistance to standard therapies. This raises the question of how to disconnect brain tumour networks to halt tumour growth and whether this can make established therapies more effective. Emerging principles of tumour networks, their potential relevance for tumour types outside the brain and translational implications, including clinical trials that are already based on these discoveries, are discussed.

Automated summary

This article discusses the role of multicellular tumour networks in brain tumours, as well as their relevance to therapy resistance and potential applications in other cancer types. The article shows how these networks are formed and how they drive tumour growth and resistance to standard therapies. The article also raises questions about how to disconnect brain tumour networks to halt tumour growth and improve treatment effectiveness. It discusses emerging principles of tumour networks and their translational implications.