TiME for a change: The tumor microenvironment as the missing piece in cancer therapeutics
Jeremy Mo1,2, Hanyun Zhang1,2, Alexander Swarbrick1,2
1Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia.
Plos Biology
|July 24, 2025
Abstract:
Cancer treatments often fall short of durable cures, yet most therapeutic strategies neglect the tumor stroma. A concerted effort is needed to understand, model, target and reprogram the tumor 'soil', recognizing its profound influence on cancer from tumorigenesis to therapy resistance.
Insights
Most cancer therapies ignore the tumor stroma, or the surrounding microenvironment. Understanding and targeting this
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Tumor Microenvironment Research
Background:
- Current cancer treatments frequently fail to achieve lasting cures.
- Therapeutic strategies predominantly overlook the critical role of the tumor stroma.
- The tumor microenvironment significantly impacts cancer progression and treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the necessity of investigating the tumor stroma.
- To advocate for the development of models that represent the tumor microenvironment.
- To emphasize the importance of targeting the tumor stroma for improved cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing cancer treatment strategies.
- Analysis of the tumor stroma's influence on tumorigenesis.
- Exploration of the tumor stroma's role in therapy resistance.
Main Results:
- Most therapeutic strategies neglect the tumor stroma.
- The tumor stroma profoundly influences cancer development.
- The tumor stroma is a key factor in therapy resistance.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive approach is required to understand the tumor stroma.
- Modeling the tumor stroma is essential for therapeutic development.
- Targeting and reprogramming the tumor stroma holds promise for durable cancer cures.
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