Tumorkörnyezet

Tumorkörnyezet, often translated as tumor microenvironment (TME), refers to the complex ecosystem surrounding a tumor. This environment is not merely passive space but an active participant in tumor growth, progression, and response to therapy. It comprises a diverse array of cellular and non-cellular components.

Key cellular components include cancer cells themselves, which are the central players, but also stromal cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells that form blood vessels, and immune cells like tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILS), macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Non-cellular components include the extracellular matrix (ECM), signaling molecules like cytokines and chemokines, and growth factors.

The TME is characterized by specific conditions, often including hypoxia (low oxygen levels), acidity, and altered nutrient availability. These conditions can promote tumor aggressiveness and resistance to treatment. Immune cells within the TME can have dual roles: some, like cytotoxic T cells, can attack and eliminate cancer cells, while others, such as regulatory T cells and certain macrophages, can suppress anti-tumor immunity and foster tumor growth.

Understanding the composition and dynamics of the tumor microenvironment is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies. Targeting specific components of the TME, such as inhibiting angiogenesis or modulating the immune response, represents a significant area of research in oncology. Therapies designed to disrupt the TME aim to starve the tumor, block its growth signals, or unleash the body's own immune system against it.