Tumor stroma fosters neovascularization by recruitment of progenitor cells into the tumor bed.
The tumor stroma is an active player during carcinogenesis and contains a variety of cell types such as vascular cells, fibroblasts and inflammatory cells which directly or indirectly foster neovascularization. During tumor progression stromal cells, in particular the neovasculature, acquire new characteristics distinct from their normal counterparts and display a high degree of plasticity to meet the tumor's demands. The local environment may, to some extent, shape pre-existing, tumor-resident stromal cells. However, there is accumulating evidence that new endothelial and other stromal cells are actively recruited into tumors, and that this recruitment is essential for a unique and tumor-specific proangiogenic environment.
Ganss
Ruth
R
Laboratory for Cancer Medicine, Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth WA 6000, Australia. ganss@waimr.uwa.edu.au
D000818:Animals; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000473:pathology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D020286:Pericytes / Q000473:pathology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000473:pathology*