Tumour microenvironment in anticancer therapy: a new weapon or a blind shot?

Cancer is a complex and heterogenous disease with a dynamic interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironment. It is believed that the "tumor microenvironment is not just a silent bystander, but rather an active promoter of cancer progression" (Truffi et al., 2020). Fascinating, dynamic and sometimes very subtle interactions of cancer cells with their microenvironment are essential to stimulate the heterogeneity of cancer cells and clonal evolution. The same interactions have a significant impact on the increase in multidrug resistance or the response to radiation therapy leading to the progression of cancer cells and the formation of metastases. We know more and more about the cancer cells themselves, as well as about their surroundings and its impact on these cells, and consequently on the success of treatment. The question arises whether modifications of the tumor microenvironment can significantly affect the curability of cancer. Or is it a dead end, another in the war against cancer?

04/07/2025