The Tumor Microenvironment: De Palma

This lecture explores the complex ecosystem of the tumor microenvironment, including the various cell types present such as cancer stem cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells. It delves into the evolution of the microenvironment during malignant progression, the stromal components of carcinomas, and the hypotheses regarding the origins and functions of tumor-associated stromal cells. The instructor discusses the essential role of cancer cell-stromal cell interactions in tumor progression, the establishment of heterotypic interactions with stromal cells, and the process of wound healing response in tumors. Furthermore, the lecture covers epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the features of tumor blood vessels, chronic angiogenesis, and the impact of inflammation on cancer promotion and progression.