Role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and the clinical applications (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Yao Yuan
    • Yu-Chen Jiang
    • Chong-Kui Sun
    • Qian-Ming Chen
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: March 7, 2016     https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2016.4660
  • Pages: 2499-2515
Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

Oncogene activation and tumor-suppressor gene inactivation are considered as the main causes driving the transformation of normal somatic cells into malignant tumor cells. Cancer cells are the driving force of tumor development and progression. Yet, cancer cells are unable to accomplish this alone. The tumor microenvironment is also considered to play an active role rather than simply acting as a by-stander in tumor progression. Through different pathways, tumor cells efficiently recruit stromal cells, which in turn, provide tumor cell growth signals, intermediate metabolites, and provide a suitable environment for tumor progression as well as metastasis. Through reciprocal communication, cancer cells and the microenvironment act in collusion leading to high proliferation and metastatic capability. Understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression provides us with novel approaches through which to target the tumor microenvironment for efficient anticancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms involved in the recruitment of stromal cells by tumor cells to the primary tumor site and highlight the role of the tumor microenvironment in the regulation of tumor progression. We further discuss the potential approaches for cancer therapy.
View Figures
View References

Related Articles

Journal Cover

May-2016
Volume 35 Issue 5

Print ISSN: 1021-335X
Online ISSN:1791-2431

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Yuan Y, Jiang Y, Sun C and Chen Q: Role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and the clinical applications (Review). Oncol Rep 35: 2499-2515, 2016.
APA
Yuan, Y., Jiang, Y., Sun, C., & Chen, Q. (2016). Role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and the clinical applications (Review). Oncology Reports, 35, 2499-2515. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2016.4660
MLA
Yuan, Y., Jiang, Y., Sun, C., Chen, Q."Role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and the clinical applications (Review)". Oncology Reports 35.5 (2016): 2499-2515.
Chicago
Yuan, Y., Jiang, Y., Sun, C., Chen, Q."Role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and the clinical applications (Review)". Oncology Reports 35, no. 5 (2016): 2499-2515. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2016.4660