Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Novel Stromal Fibroblast-Modulated 3D Tumor Spheroid Model for Studying Tumor-Stroma Interaction and Drug Discovery
07:20

A Novel Stromal Fibroblast-Modulated 3D Tumor Spheroid Model for Studying Tumor-Stroma Interaction and Drug Discovery

Published on: February 28, 2020

Tumor stroma and its role in therapy resistance: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Duy Luong1, Sayed Hassan Raze Shah1, Siva Sankari Sivasoorian1

  • 1Use-Inspired Biomaterials & Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.

Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|June 2, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Stromal cells are key regulators of tumor biology, influencing progression and treatment resistance. Targeting the tumor stroma offers new therapeutic opportunities for enhanced drug delivery and more effective cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.
  • While immune-targeted therapies have advanced, stromal cells are increasingly recognized as critical regulators of tumor biology.
  • Stromal cells impact tumor metabolism, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and drug resistance, exhibiting context-dependent tumor-promoting or suppressive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted roles of stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment.
  • To review current strategies for targeting tumor stroma for improved drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes.
  • To highlight novel therapeutic opportunities arising from understanding specific stromal cell types.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of articles sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
  • Analysis of existing research on stromal cell functions and therapeutic targeting.
  • Synthesis of findings on drug delivery systems engaging stromal components and the roles of specific stromal cells.

Main Results:

  • Stromal cells significantly influence tumor progression and resistance to therapies.
  • Targeting stromal elements, such as hyaluronic acid and laminin, enhances drug delivery specificity and efficacy.
  • Novel drug delivery systems engaging stromal components show promising clinical results.
  • Understanding cancer-associated fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and other stromal cells provides new therapeutic avenues.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the tumor stroma is a promising frontier in oncology.
  • Stromal targeting enables advanced drug delivery systems and deeper insights into treatment resistance.
  • Context-specific therapies informed by stromal biology are paving the way for more effective cancer treatments.
Keywords:
Stroma targetingcancer therapydrug deliverynanoparticlesprecision medicinetherapeutic efficacytumor microenvironment

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