The tumor microenvironment: the making of a paradigm

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Stephen Paget's foundational concept of the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) is central to cancer research.
• Contemporary TME research builds upon decades of scientific inquiry.
• Early TME studies from the late 20th century are often overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the developmental phase of post-Paget Tumor Microenvironment (TME) research.
• To highlight pioneering, yet undercited, scientific contributions to TME understanding.
• To pay tribute to foundational scientists in the field of TME research.

Main Methods:

• Historical literature review focusing on the period from the late 1960s to the 1980s.
• Identification and analysis of seminal studies in Tumor Microenvironment (TME) research.
• Synthesis of findings to contextualize current TME scientific achievements.

Main Results:

• Identified key foundational research in TME development during the specified period.
• Demonstrated the significant impact of early TME studies on current cancer biology.
• Highlighted a gap in citation practices for foundational TME research.

Conclusions:

• Early TME research laid critical groundwork for modern cancer studies.
• Recognizing and citing historical contributions is essential for scientific progress.
• Further exploration of historical TME literature may yield new insights.