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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

10:33
Molecular Profiling of the Invasive Tumor Microenvironment in a 3-Dimensional Model of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Ex vivo Fibroblasts
Published on: April 29, 2014
The tumor microenvironment in colorectal carcinogenesis
Summary
Colorectal cancer remains incurable despite advances. Research now focuses on the tumor microenvironment, exploring stromal components to develop new therapeutic strategies for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Tumor Microenvironment Research
Background:
- Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S.
- Metastatic colorectal cancer remains largely incurable despite recent therapeutic advancements.
- Many promising experimental cancer agents have failed to improve patient survival in clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer progression.
- To discuss the potential of targeting stromal components for novel colorectal cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on tumor microenvironment and colorectal cancer.
- Analysis of interactions between tumor epithelial cells and stromal elements.
Main Results:
- The tumor microenvironment significantly influences colorectal cancer progression.
- Stromal components play a critical role in colorectal carcinogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding tumor microenvironment interactions is crucial for improving colorectal cancer treatment.
- Targeting stromal components offers a promising avenue for developing future therapeutic agents.
Related Concept Videos
The Tumor Microenvironment
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
The Tumor Microenvironment
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...

