Chemoresistance and the tumor microenvironment: the critical role of cell–cell communication

Resistance of cancer cells to anticancer drugs remains a major challenge in modern medicine. Understanding the mechanisms behind the development of chemoresistance is key to developing appropriate therapies to counteract it. Nowadays, with advances in technology, we are paying more and more attention to the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and intercellular interactions in this process. We also know that important elements of the TME are not only the tumor cells themselves but also other cell types, such as mesenchymal stem cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, stromal cells, and macrophages. TME elements can communicate with each other indirectly (via cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles [EVs]) and directly (via gap junctions, ligand-receptor pairs, cell adhesion, and tunnel nanotubes). This communication appears to be critical for the development of chemoresistance. EVs seem to be particularly interesting structures in this regard. Within these structures, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids can be transported, acting as signaling molecules that interact with numerous biochemical pathways, thereby contributing to chemoresistance. Moreover, drug efflux pumps, which are responsible for removing drugs from cancer cells, can also be transported via EVs.