How Does the Tumor Microenvironment Influence Treatment Efficacy?
The tumor microenvironment encompasses the surrounding cells, blood vessels, and signaling molecules around a tumor. It can significantly impact a tumor’s growth and response to treatment. For example, a dense stromal barrier can hinder the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumor cells. Additionally, immune cells within the microenvironment can either support or suppress tumor growth depending on their type and state of activation.