Tumormiljøet

Tumormiljøet, also known as the tumor microenvironment (TME), refers to the complex ecosystem surrounding a tumor. It is not just composed of cancer cells but also includes a variety of non-cancerous cells, molecules, and blood vessels that interact with and support tumor growth. This dynamic environment plays a critical role in tumor development, progression, metastasis, and response to therapy.

Key components of the tumormiljø include cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and T cells, endothelial cells that form new blood vessels (angiogenesis), and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. These elements communicate with each other through various signaling pathways, influencing aspects like nutrient supply, waste removal, immune evasion, and the promotion of cell proliferation and survival.

The tumormiljø can be broadly categorized into the intratumoral environment, which includes cells directly within the tumor mass, and the peritumoral environment, which surrounds the tumor. The composition and characteristics of the tumormiljø can vary significantly depending on the type of cancer, its stage, and its location in the body.

Understanding the tumormiljø is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments. Therapies are increasingly being designed to target not only cancer cells directly but also the supportive elements within the tumormiljø, such as by modulating the immune response or inhibiting angiogenesis. Manipulating the tumormiljø holds promise for overcoming treatment resistance and improving patient outcomes.