What are the Challenges in Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment?
Several challenges exist in effectively modulating the TME:
Heterogeneity: The TME is highly heterogeneous, varying between different types of cancer and even within different areas of the same tumor. This complexity makes it difficult to develop universal strategies. Resistance: Tumors can adapt to therapeutic interventions by activating alternative pathways or by recruiting different cell types, leading to resistance. Toxicity: Modulating the TME can have unintended effects on normal tissues, leading to toxicity and adverse side effects. Biomarker Identification: Identifying reliable biomarkers to predict response to TME-targeted therapies is challenging but essential for patient stratification and treatment optimization.
