Bone marrow and tumour stroma: an intimate relationship

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Bone marrow is increasingly recognized as a source of cells for non-hematopoietic wound healing.
• Bone marrow-derived cells are known contributors to fibrosis and angiogenesis.
• Tumor stroma plays a critical role in cancer progression and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the contribution of bone marrow cells to tumor stroma.
• To highlight the bone marrow as a potential target for anti-cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating bone marrow cell contributions to tumor microenvironments.
• Analysis of the role of bone marrow-derived cells in desmoplasia and tumor progression.

Main Results:

• Bone marrow cells exhibit plasticity, contributing to epithelial repair.
• Bone marrow-derived cells are implicated in promoting fibrosis and blood vessel formation within tumors.
• Significant bone marrow input into the desmoplastic response of tumors is evident.

Conclusions:

• Bone marrow cells are integral components of the tumor stroma.
• The bone marrow represents a promising new avenue for developing targeted anti-tumor therapies.