Role of extracellular matrix in chordoma progression and therapeutic resistance.

Chordoma is a rare malignant bone tumor with a challenging treatment landscape, presenting resistance to chemotherapy and limited efficacy to radiotherapy. While the basis of this resistance remains unknown, chordoma is characterized by the production of an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays a crucial role in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Investigations for chordoma have demonstrated that various components of ECM influence tumor progression and prognosis. Targeting ECM and disrupting tumor-ECM interactions can potentially overcome therapy resistance and improve treatment outcomes. This review summarizes recent studies and discoveries related to the ECM in chordoma. We highlight the specific functions of distinct ECM molecules in regulating chordoma progression and therapy resistance. Moreover, we discuss key factors and signaling pathways involved in ECM and their therapeutic potential in the management of chordoma. Future research and clinical trials on ECM-targeted therapies hold promise for advancing chordoma treatment.