Targeting the tumor microenvironment: from understanding pathways to effective clinical trials

H Fang, YA DeClerck - Cancer research, 2013 - AACR
H Fang, YA DeClerck
Cancer research, 2013AACR
It is clear that tumor cells do not act alone but in close interaction with the extracellular matrix
and with stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As our understanding of tumor
cell–stroma interactions increased over the last two decades, significant efforts have been
made to develop agents that interfere with these interactions. Here, we discuss four different
therapeutic strategies that target the TME, focusing on agents that are at the most advanced
stage of preclinical or clinical development. We end this review by outlining some of the …
Abstract
It is clear that tumor cells do not act alone but in close interaction with the extracellular matrix and with stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As our understanding of tumor cell–stroma interactions increased over the last two decades, significant efforts have been made to develop agents that interfere with these interactions. Here, we discuss four different therapeutic strategies that target the TME, focusing on agents that are at the most advanced stage of preclinical or clinical development. We end this review by outlining some of the lessons we have learned so far from the development of TME-targeting agents. Cancer Res; 73(16); 4965–77. ©2013 AACR.
AACR