A systematic review has uncovered a complex role for intercellular mitochondrial transfer in melanoma. This process, where mitochondria move between cells, appears to be a double-edged sword in the fight against skin cancer.
On one hand, the transfer of mitochondria from surrounding cells to melanoma cells helps them resist targeted therapies and evade the immune system. It also boosts their ability to invade tissues and spread to other parts of the body. This finding suggests that blocking mitochondrial transfer could be a new strategy to make treatments more effective.
On the other hand, in certain situations, mitochondrial transfer may actually help fight melanoma. For example, when mitochondria move into immune cells, it can make those cells better at attacking the cancer. It can also trigger the immune system to recognize the tumor or cause cancer cell death through oxidative stress.
The review highlights the need for more research to understand when mitochondrial transfer helps or harms. Future treatments might aim to block harmful transfers while encouraging beneficial ones. This could lead to new ways to overcome treatment resistance and improve outcomes for melanoma patients.