Understanding and targeting anoikis in metastasis for cancer therapies

The development of effective treatments for cancers requires investigations for a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of the basic cellular mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. One of those driving mechanisms is anoikis, a special type of apoptosis, which is induced by losing anchorage from the extracellular matrix (ECM). In other words, resisting death in detached cells (cells without ECM) forms an anoikis-resistant phenotype. Since the anoikis-resistance state compensates for the initial steps of cancer metastasis, this review aimed to discuss mechanisms of gaining anoikis/anoikis resistance phenotype in tumor cells. Finally, we highlighted the significance of anoikis in malignancies so as to provide clear insight into cancer diagnosis and therapy development.

Automated summary

The development of effective cancer treatments requires a detailed understanding of cellular mechanisms involved in cancer progression and metastasis. Anoikis, a special type of apoptosis induced by loss of anchorage, is a driving mechanism in cancer metastasis. This review discusses the mechanisms of gaining anoikis/anoikis resistance phenotype in tumor cells and highlights the significance of anoikis in malignancies for cancer diagnosis and therapy development.