Tumor Microenvironment
Exploring the Fascinating World of Tumor Microenvironment
Join us on a journey through the diverse and complex tumor microenvironment, where cancer cells interact with immune and stromal cells in a dynamic landscape of extracellular matrix and signaling molecules.
Components of Tumor Microenvironment
Immune Cells
Tumor-associated immune cells can promote or inhibit cancer progression depending on their phenotype and interaction with tumor cells. They can be potential targets for cancer immunotherapy.
Stromal Cells
Tumor-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and other stromal cells cooperate with cancer cells to promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. They can be potential targets for cancer therapy.
Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix of the tumor microenvironment is a dynamic network of structural and signaling molecules that
exert key functions in cancer progression. It can modulate cancer cell behavior and influence the efficacy of cancer treatment.
Stromal cells
Immune cells
Fibroblasts
Tumor cells
Extracellular matrix
Tumor Microenvironment & Cancer Progression
Invasion
The tumor microenvironment can facilitate cancer invasion by remodeling the extracellular matrix and releasing pro-tumorigenic cytokines and other soluble factors.
Angiogenesis
The tumor microenvironment can induce angiogenesis, i.e. the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the tumor and promote its growth.
Metastasis
The tumor microenvironment can create a supportive niche for disseminated cancer cells to colonize distant organs and form metastases.
Evasion
The tumor microenvironment can suppress or evade the immune system, enabling cancer cells to avoid recognition and destruction by immune cells.
Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy is our goal
1) Identify new targets
Discover novel molecular and cellular targets in the tumor microenvironment that can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes.
2) Develop innovative drugs
Design and test new drugs that specifically target the identified microenvironmental targets, based on rationally engineered molecules, antibodies or natural compounds.
3) Combine therapies
Develop multi-modal treatment strategies that combine drugs targeting different aspects of the tumor microenvironment, or that integrate microenvironment-targeted therapy with conventional treatment modalities.
Real-Life Examples: Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Types
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Breast Cancer
The microenvironment of breast cancer is characterized by the expansion of myeloid suppressor cells, which promote cancer cell survival and metastasis.
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Lung Cancer
The microenvironment of lung cancer is characterized by inflammation, hypoxia, and immune evasion, which promote cancer progression and resistance.
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Colorectal Cancer
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Viral associated cancer (HPV & EVB)
The microenvironment of viral-associated cancer is characterized by the abundance of myeloid and erythroid suppressors cells, which promote tumor progression through different mechanisms.
Our Tumor Microenvironment Research
Basic Research
Investigate the fundamental mechanisms and interactions that govern the tumor microenvironment, using in vitro and animal models.
Technical Research
Develop and apply state-of-the-art technologies and tools to study the diverse aspects of the tumor microenvironment, such as single-cell sequencing, imaging, and bioengineering.
Clinical Research
Conduct clinical studies and trials to test the safety and efficacy of microenvironment-targeted therapies in cancer patients, and to identify predictive biomarkers.
The tumor microenvironment is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that plays a critical role in cancer initiation, progression, and treatment. Targeting the tumor microenvironment represents a promising avenue for innovative cancer therapy, but also poses challenges and risks that require further research and development.