The tumor microenvironment, composed of stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix, plays a critical role in cancer progression. It can influence tumor growth, invasion, and response to therapy. For instance, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) secrete growth factors and cytokines that promote tumor growth. The interaction between tumor cells and the microenvironment is a dynamic and complex process that is crucial for understanding cancer biology.
