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Updated: Aug 15, 2025
Enrichment and Characterization of the Tumor Immune and Non-immune Microenvironments in Established Subcutaneous Murine Tumors
Published on: June 7, 2018
Insights into the tumor microenvironment of B cell lymphoma
Wern Lynn Ng1, Stephen M Ansell1, Patrizia Mondello2
1Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
Abstract:
The standard therapies in lymphoma have predominantly focused on targeting tumor cells with less of a focus on the tumor microenvironment (TME), which plays a critical role in favoring tumor growth and survival. Such an approach may result in increasingly refractory disease with progressively reduced responses to subsequent treatments. To overcome this hurdle, targeting the TME has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy. The TME consists of T and B lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and other components. Understanding the TME can lead to a comprehensive approach to managing lymphoma, resulting in therapeutic strategies that target not only cancer cells, but also the supportive environment and thereby ultimately improve survival of lymphoma patients. Here, we review the normal function of different components of the TME, the impact of their aberrant behavior in B cell lymphoma and the current TME-direct therapeutic avenues.
Insights
Targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) offers a new strategy for lymphoma treatment. Understanding and targeting TME components can improve patient survival by complementing traditional cancer cell therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Standard lymphoma therapies primarily target tumor cells, often neglecting the tumor microenvironment (TME).
- This narrow focus can lead to refractory disease and diminished treatment responses.
- The TME significantly influences tumor growth, survival, and treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the normal functions of TME components in B cell lymphoma.
- To examine the impact of aberrant TME component behavior in lymphoma.
- To discuss current therapeutic strategies targeting the TME.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TME components and their roles in lymphoma.
- Analysis of aberrant TME functions in the context of B cell lymphoma.
- Synthesis of current TME-directed therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- The TME comprises various immune and stromal cells, including lymphocytes, macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and fibroblasts.
- Dysfunctional TME components actively support lymphoma progression and immune evasion.
- Emerging therapies aim to modulate the TME to enhance anti-lymphoma responses.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the TME represents a promising strategy to overcome treatment resistance in lymphoma.
- A comprehensive approach integrating TME-directed therapies with conventional treatments can improve patient outcomes.
- Further research into TME biology is crucial for developing novel lymphoma management strategies.
