Tumor Cell Invasion and the Tumor Microenvironment: Special Focus on Brain Tumors

Tumor cell invasion is a major issue in oncology since it leads to tumor dissemination and recurrence. In glioblastomas, invasion is an important characteristic, making the disease difficult to treat since tumor recurrence occurs from invasive areas at the borders of the resection cavity. We are discussing herein some of the principal mechanisms at a cellular and molecular level that are involved in glioblastoma invasion. These mechanisms are comprising tumor cell intrinsic factors as well as extrinsic factors and cues produced by the tumor microenvironment. Therapeutically interfering with tumor cell invasion may be useful to improve the clinical outcomes of glioblastoma patients.