Cancer Microenvironments as Therapeutic Targets

The microenvironment of soLid tumors is a complex amalgam of soluble and insoluble molecules and cells that together constitute an indispensable regulator of tumor growth. Among several questions confronting tumor biologists today are (i) identification of nonparenchymal cells affecting cancer development and progression, (ii) determining how stromal cells regulate patient outcome, and (iii) determining the identity of critical molecular pathways in tumor microenvironment that regulate neoplastic progression. To address these questions, the molecular and cellular architecture of neoplastic tissue must be evaluated to identify functionally significant molecules to target for anticancer therapy. This article focuses on the major subtypes of host cells commonly found in tumor stroma and discusses tractable approaches to target them for anticancer therapy.