title: More than structural cells, fibroblasts create and orchestrate the tumor microenvironment.
abstract: The tumor microenvironment comprises many cell types including infiltrating immune cells such as lymphocytes, endothelial cells and a complex stroma consisting mainly of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are heterogeneous and consist of Thy-1+ and Thy-1- subsets that define different biosynthetic and differentiation potential. They produce mediators linked to carcinogenesis and metastasis, including Cox-2 and PGE2, both of which are also increased in most cancers. This review will highlight the emerging role of the complex fibroblastic stroma in establishing a microenvironment supporting malignant transformation, tumor growth and attenuation of host anti-tumor immune responses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Lymphoma Biology Program, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
authors.forename: Carolyn J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Baglole
authors.forename: Denise M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.forename: Steven H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: Steven E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Feldon
authors.forename: Terry J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Patricia J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Sime
authors.forename: Richard P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Phipps
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D018448:Models, Immunological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D018800:Thy-1 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018800:Thy-1 Antigens