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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
09:44
Generation of Organ-conditioned Media and Applications for Studying Organ-specific Influences on Breast Cancer Metastatic Behavior
Published on: June 13, 2016
Breast cancer by proxy: can the microenvironment be both the cause and consequence?
Lone Rønnov-Jessen1, Mina J Bissell
1Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. lronnov-jessen@bio.ku.dk
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|December 19, 2008
Summary
The breast tissue microenvironment significantly influences breast cancer development. Targeting these microenvironmental components offers promising therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Breast cancer development is influenced by systemic cues, including hormonal changes and microenvironmental modifications.
- Tumorigenesis involves alterations in the breast tissue microenvironment, characterized by basement membrane (BM) aberrations and changes in cellular composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the mammary gland microenvironment in maintaining organ integrity and initiating breast cancer.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the tumor microenvironment and its constituents.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cellular and extracellular matrix components within the breast tissue microenvironment.
- Evaluation of the impact of microenvironmental changes on epithelial cell behavior and tumor initiation.
Main Results:
- The microenvironment, excluding epithelial cells, plays a crucial role in breast tissue integrity.
- Alterations in the microenvironment, such as loss of BM and myoepithelial cells and gain of myofibroblasts, are associated with tumor development.
Conclusions:
- The tumor microenvironment is instrumental in promoting and potentially initiating breast cancer.
- Targeting the tumor microenvironment presents a promising therapeutic avenue for breast cancer treatment.
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