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The Tumor Microenvironment

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

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 Immunotherapy

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.

Metastasis

Metastasis

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication

A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication

Published on: September 20, 2016

The tumor microenvironment.

Cynthia E Weber¹, Paul C Kuo

¹Department of Surgery, Oncology Institute, Loyola University Medical Center Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.

Surgical Oncology

|October 4, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The tumor microenvironment, comprising cancer cells, stroma, and extracellular matrix, is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis. Understanding these interactions offers new therapeutic strategies, particularly in breast cancer surgery.

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Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections

Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections

Published on: July 31, 2017

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Last Updated: May 28, 2026

A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication

A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication

Published on: September 20, 2016

Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections

Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections

Published on: July 31, 2017

Area of Science:

Oncology
Cancer Biology
Immunology

Background:

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem supporting tumor growth.
Paget's "seed and soil" theory provides a foundational concept for understanding TME.
The TME consists of cancer cells, stromal cells, and the extracellular matrix.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the components and complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment.
To examine the role of the TME in tumorigenesis and metastasis.
To discuss the implications of TME research for surgical oncology and therapeutics.

Main Methods:

Mini-review of existing literature on the tumor microenvironment.
Examination of molecular interactions within the TME.
Case examples from breast cancer TME.

Main Results:

The TME is a dynamic network with intricate molecular signaling.
Complex interactions within the TME drive tumor development and spread.
Therapeutic agents targeting the TME are emerging.

Conclusions:

Understanding the TME is vital for advancing cancer treatment.
Targeting TME components offers promising therapeutic avenues.
Future surgical interventions may leverage TME modulation for improved outcomes.