How do surrounding cells contribute to cancer progression?
Surrounding cells, often referred to as the tumor microenvironment, play a crucial role in cancer progression. These cells include fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and other stromal cells that interact with the cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can secrete growth factors and cytokines that support tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by these cells can be remodeled to facilitate cancer cell invasion and migration.
