The Tumor Microenvironment: A Barrier to Effective Cancer Therapy The tumor microenvironment or TME is critical in shaping tumor progression, therapy resistance, and recurrence. The tumor microenvironment comprises stromal cells, immune cells, and signaling molecules that significantly impact how tumors respond to treatment. Immunosuppressive components of the tumor microenvironment, such as M2-polarized macrophages and activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), foster resistance to therapies by creating an environment where immune responses are suppressed, and tumor survival is promoted. Key cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-β drive this immunosuppressive milieu, hindering the efficacy of immunotherapies and other anti-cancer treatments. Despite advancements, many cancer therapies fail in the clinical setting because the preclinical models used to evaluate them inadequately replicate the human tumor microenvironment. Addressing this issue is crucial for developing treatments that overcome tumor microenvironment-induced resistance and enhance clinical outcomes.
