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Updated: Jun 29, 2025
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Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System
Published on: April 23, 2021
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Cellular plasticity in the breast cancer ecosystem
Kristian Pietras1, Jonas Sjölund1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences
|April 4, 2024
Summary
Breast cancer cells
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Tumor Microenvironment
Background:
- Tumor progression and treatment response are influenced by the interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironment.
- Cellular plasticity and heterogeneity are key features of the breast cancer ecosystem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on cellular plasticity and heterogeneity in breast cancer.
- To focus on the roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs).
- To explore therapeutic opportunities targeting the tumor ecosystem.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of findings from single-cell RNA sequencing studies.
Main Results:
- Breast cancer cells display phenotypic plasticity influenced by genetic and microenvironmental factors.
- Diverse subtypes of CAFs and TAMs exist, with distinct functions and spatial distributions.
- Understanding cellular interactions and niche cues provides therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- Targeting cellular phenotypes or niches offers new precision medicine strategies for breast cancer.
- Elucidating tumor ecosystem organization is crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
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