The disruption of hematopoiesis in tumor progression

Human adult hematopoiesis maintains homeostasis by replacing depleted progeny pools and inducing a primary immune response to infectious diseases and tumors. Recent studies have shown that tumor progression is associated with profound perturbations in hematopoiesis. Scientists have sought to clarify the complex mechanisms underlying the developmental fate of hematopoiesis by assessing hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in various tumors. Results have shown that tumors disrupt normal hematopoiesis, resulting in extramedullary hematopoiesis and myeloid skewing. The key regulatory roles played by myeloid-derived suppressor cells induce immune suppression. Here, we summarize recent findings and discuss mechanisms underlying the disruption of hematopoiesis in solid tumors.