The tumor microenvironment makes it hard for certain cells to behave normally when dealing with cancer:
Weakening the Immune System: Tumors can send out signals that stop the immune system from working well. This allows stroma cells to help the tumor grow instead of fighting it.
Fibroblast Activation: Special cells called fibroblasts, which are often linked to cancer, might help tumors grow by changing the surrounding structures in the tissue.
Possible Solutions:
Some treatments are designed to mess up these harmful interactions.
New types of therapies, called immunotherapies, might help boost the immune system's attack against the stroma. However, not everyone reacts the same way to these treatments, which can be a big problem.
The tumor microenvironment makes it hard for certain cells to behave normally when dealing with cancer:
Weakening the Immune System: Tumors can send out signals that stop the immune system from working well. This allows stroma cells to help the tumor grow instead of fighting it.
Fibroblast Activation: Special cells called fibroblasts, which are often linked to cancer, might help tumors grow by changing the surrounding structures in the tissue.
Possible Solutions:
Some treatments are designed to mess up these harmful interactions.
New types of therapies, called immunotherapies, might help boost the immune system's attack against the stroma. However, not everyone reacts the same way to these treatments, which can be a big problem.