Accessories to the Crime: Functions of Cells Recruited to the Tumor Microenvironment

Douglas Hanahan, Lisa M. Coussens

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3266 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mutationally corrupted cancer (stem) cells are the driving force of tumor development and progression. Yet, these transformed cells cannot do it alone. Assemblages of ostensibly normal tissue and bone marrow-derived (stromal) cells are recruited to constitute tumorigenic microenvironments. Most of the hallmarks of cancer are enabled and sustained to varying degrees through contributions from repertoires of stromal cell types and distinctive subcell types. Their contributory functions to hallmark capabilities are increasingly well understood, as are the reciprocal communications with neoplastic cancer cells that mediate their recruitment, activation, programming, and persistence. This enhanced understanding presents interesting new targets for anticancer therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)309-322
Number of pages14
JournalCancer Cell
Volume21
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 20 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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