Tumor microenvironment

The cells, molecules, blood vessels, and structural material surrounding a tumor. These components interact with cancer cells and can influence tumor growth, spread, and response to treatment.

Cancer-associated fibroblast: A fibroblast in or near a tumor that acquires functions affecting cancer growth, immunity, or tissue structure. These cells remodel the surrounding tissue and release signals that can support tumor progression.
Immune checkpoint blockade: Cancer immunotherapy that blocks inhibitory signals limiting T-cell activity. Its effectiveness depends partly on whether immune cells can enter and function within tumor tissue.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte: A lymphocyte that has entered tumor tissue. Their abundance and activity reveal whether immune cells can reach and attack cancer cells.
Tumor immune desert: A tumor pattern with few immune cells present in or around the cancer tissue. It contrasts with immune-infiltrated tumors where immune cells are already present but may be suppressed.
Tumor angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels that supply a tumor. Tumors can stimulate vessel growth to obtain oxygen and nutrients, though the vessels are often abnormal.
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell: A genetically engineered T cell that recognizes a chosen target through an introduced receptor. Suppressive signals and physical barriers in solid tumors can limit these cells' activity.
Pericyte: A contractile support cell associated with the outer surfaces of small blood vessels. Pericytes influence tumor-vessel stability and the movement of cells and molecules across vessels.
Immune-excluded tumor: A tumor pattern in which immune cells accumulate around cancer tissue but do not penetrate it effectively. It highlights physical and signaling barriers within the surrounding tissue.
Extracellular matrix: A network of proteins and other molecules that provides structural support outside cells. Its composition and stiffness shape how tumor and immune cells move through tissue.
Anti-angiogenic therapy: Treatment that inhibits the formation or function of blood vessels supplying a tumor. It targets tumor-supporting vessels, sometimes improving delivery conditions as well as restricting supply.

Linked from 25 pages