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Related Concept Videos

The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

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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...
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Metastasis02:30

Metastasis

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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: Dec 31, 2025

Intracarotid Cancer Cell Injection to Produce Mouse Models of Brain Metastasis
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Intracarotid Cancer Cell Injection to Produce Mouse Models of Brain Metastasis

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Tumor microenvironment differences between primary tumor and brain metastases.

Bernardo Cacho-Díaz1, Donovan R García-Botello2, Talia Wegman-Ostrosky3

  • 1Neuro-oncology Unit, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22. Col. Sección XVI. Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, ZC, Mexico. bernardocacho@doctor.com.

Journal of Translational Medicine
|January 5, 2020
PubMed
Summary

This review compares the tumor microenvironment (TME) in primary melanoma, lung, and breast cancers versus their brain metastases. Understanding TME differences is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.

Keywords:
Brain metastasesCancerTumor microenvironment

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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences cancer progression and treatment response.
  • Key cellular and molecular components within the TME, such as fibroblasts and cytokines, drive carcinogenesis and angiogenesis.
  • Brain metastases (BM) from lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma represent a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and compare the distinct characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) between primary tumors (melanoma, lung, breast cancer) and their corresponding brain metastases (BM).
  • To highlight the role of the TME in cancer cell survival, adaptation, and therapeutic resistance in the brain.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets by understanding the unique microenvironmental conditions in brain metastases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of contemporary scientific studies.
  • Comparative analysis of TME components and functions in primary tumors versus brain metastases.
  • Examination of cellular players (fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, NK cells) and molecular factors (cytokines, chemokines, growth factors) within the TME.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences exist in the TME between primary tumors and brain metastases.
  • The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a major hurdle for metastatic cells, influencing their survival and TME adaptation.
  • The TME of brain metastases is actively modulated by cancer cells through secreted mediators to facilitate survival and growth.
  • Therapeutic efficacy is generally lower in brain metastases compared to primary tumors, partly due to TME and BBB factors.

Conclusions:

  • The distinct tumor microenvironment (TME) in brain metastases necessitates tailored therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research into the specific TME characteristics of brain metastases can reveal novel therapeutic targets.
  • Understanding these microenvironmental differences is key to improving treatment outcomes for patients with brain metastases.