title: The tumor microenvironment: part 1.
abstract: For years the mutated, highly proliferating neoplastic cells were presented as the only important agent in tumors; however, during the last 3-4 decades it has become clear that the microenvironment of the cancer cells plays a determinative role in the malignant evolution of neoplasia. Cancers are in fact heterogeneous entities containing, in addition to the neoplastic cell component, cells derived of multiple lineages (fibroblasts, endothelial cells lining blood and lymphatic vessels, pericytes, adipocytes and immune system cells belonging to both innate and adaptive responses), as well as the extracellular matrix, with a large variety of soluble molecules of biological importance, constituting a complex organ-like structure. The tumor microenvironment consists in a tissue that may have a predictive significance for tumor behavior and response to therapy.
authors: Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel. jleibov@post.tau.ac.il
authors: Judith
authors: J
authors: Leibovici
authors: Orit
authors: O
authors: Itzhaki
authors: Monica
authors: M
authors: Huszar
authors: Judith
authors: J
authors: Sinai
mesh_terms: D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000473:pathology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D057131:Immune Evasion; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology