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Mokhamatam et al. J Cancer Metastasis Treat 2020;6:28 Journal of Cancer
DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2020.38 Metastasis and Treatment

Review Open Access

Targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition - an
ongoing wild goose chase

Raveendra B. Mokhamatam, Vamshi K. Irlapati, Subhadra Dravida

Transcell Oncologics Pvt Ltd, Technology Business Incubator, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500046, India.
Correspondence to: Dr. Subhadra Dravida, Transcell Oncologics Pvt Ltd, TechnologyBusiness Incubator, University of Hyderabad,
Hyderabad, Telangana, 500046, India. E-mail: suba.dravida@tran-scell.com

How to cite this article: Mokhamatam RB, Irlapati VK, Dravida S. Targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition - an ongoing wild
goose chase. J Cancer Metastasis Treat 2020;6:28. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-4722.2020.38

Received: 29 Apr 2020 First Decision: 9 Jun 2020 Revised: 8 Jul 2020 Accepted: 17 Aug 2020 Published: 28 Aug 2020

Academic Editor: Godefridus J. Peters Copy Editor: Cai-Hong Wang Production Editor: Jing Yu

Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a natural phenomenon thatoccurs during embryodevelopment. It is a
phenomenon involving the transition of adherence-dependent stationary epithelial cells to adherence-independent
migratory mesenchymal cells. Tumours reactivate this machinery and evade anti-tumour immunity and inhibition
by cancer-specific drugs. EMT harnesses complex crosstalk among cancer cell signalling pathways that make it
difficult to tackle therapeutically, and it plays a pivotal role in cancer metastasis. Most screening platforms and
approved drugs are limited by their applicability to epithelial cancers. There is a significant need for developing
new strategies targeting metastatic cancers. Here, we review the challenges with the current methods of screening
and available drugs for EMT and shed some light on the key essentials needed for next-generation drug discovery
attempts.

Keywords: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, high-throughput screening, drug discovery, drug resistance,
tumorspheres, organoids

INTRODUCTION
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered as a major phenomenon which contributes to
[1]
cancer metastasis and drug resistance , and many reviews are available for understanding the natural
[2-4]
functions of EMT and its role in cancer progression . Our primary goal here is to discuss the drug
screening methodologies developed by various groups and their limitations, while surrendering to the

© The Author(s) 2020. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, for any purpose, even commercially, as long
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