Tumor Microenvironments
Articles tagged with Tumor Microenvironments
Study may help predict response to chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer
A common cholesterol drug may weaken ovarian cancer’s hidden shield
A new study found that a fluid surrounding many ovarian tumors, known as ascites, helps cancer cells survive and spread. Researchers discovered that a decades-old cholesterol drug, bezafibrate, can disrupt this protection by altering fat storage and iron control, making cancer cells more vulnerable to existing treatments.
UIC scientists source anti-cancer treatment in bacteria
Researchers at UIC developed an anti-cancer therapy using a bacterial protein called aurB, which prevents energy production in tumor cells' mitochondria. The treatment was tested in combination with radiation and showed highly effective results in animal models of prostate cancer, effectively shutting down tumor growth.
Catching cancer’s earliest moments: How mutated cells transform their local environment so a tumor can develop
Researchers found that disruption of communication between cancer-causing cells and surrounding healthy tissue can prevent tumor growth. The study suggests that early intervention may be possible, as the transformed environment is reversible if caught early enough.
Understanding the diverse chemokine signals in tumor microenvironment for advanced immunotherapy
Chemokines regulate immune cell infiltration and local immunity in tumors, and targeting their receptor axis has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer immunotherapy. Chemokine-modulating strategies combining with other immunotherapies have demonstrated considerable synergistic potential.
From benign growth to pancreatic cancer: New study shows how the switch gets flipped
A recent study published in Cell reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying the transformation of benign pancreatic cells into malignant tumors. Researchers identified a subset of precancerous cells that closely resemble tumor cells, characterized by high oncogenic drive and strongly activated tumor-suppressors. This discovery offers ...
The tumor microbiota: A new frontier in cancer biology
The tumor microbiota is now considered a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer development and modulating immunotherapy effectiveness. Researchers have identified ways microbes can remodel tumors' microenvironments, directly interacting with tumor tissue and immune cells.
How pancreatic tumors thwart an iron-driven demise
Researchers reveal that high levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-2 (HIF-2) in pancreatic tumor microenvironment protects cells from ferroptosis, a promising target for therapy. The study identifies key biochemical pathways activated by HIF-2 to limit ferroptotic cell death.
Ludwig Lausanne’s Ping-Chih Ho elected AAAS Fellow
Ludwig Lausanne's Ping-Chih Ho has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his distinguished contributions to immune metabolism. His research focuses on elucidating the role of metabolism in anti-tumor immunity and advancing cancer therapy.
Researchers uncover distinct tumor “neighborhoods”, with each cell subtype playing a specific role, in aggressive childhood brain cancer
New research reveals that tumor cells in supratentorial ependymomas cluster into distinct neighborhoods, each with a specific role, such as proliferating or invading. Understanding these cell subtypes could help predict treatment response and inform targeted therapies for this aggressive childhood brain cancer.
Groundbreaking study maps complex interplay between cells, metabolism, and immunity in breast cancer lymph node metastasis
Researchers developed an integrative analysis of single-cell sequencing and spatial mapping to reveal novel mechanisms driving breast cancer metastasis. The study identifies key drivers of metastasis, including early disseminated cancer cells with enhanced invasive capabilities.
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awards $3.2 million to innovative early-career scientists
The foundation awarded $400,000 over two years to five early-career researchers and continuation support to three current Innovators with significant progress on their proposed research. The recipients focus on developing targeted therapeutics, decoding dendritic cell function, defining NKT cell interactions with tumors, engineering T ...
Tiny bubbles, big breakthrough: Cracking cancer’s “fortress”
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a strategy using ultrasound-activated nanobubbles to break down tumor barriers, making tumors softer and more penetrable to treatment-bearing molecules and immune cells. This breakthrough could fast-track therapy to clinical trials for solid tumors like prostate cancer.
Cancer and inflammation: immunologic interplay, translational advances, and clinical strategies
This review examines cancer-inflammation interplay, translational advances, and clinical strategies. Emerging technologies promise to refine precision therapy, while integrating inflammation-targeting approaches with immunotherapy offers a path to personalized cancer care.
Biomarkers predict patients with glioblastoma who will survive longer after treatment with cancer-targeting virus
Researchers identified blood-based biomarkers that can help distinguish patients with glioblastoma who are most likely to live longer from novel treatment with an engineered oncolytic virus. The study found that adding an immune booster increased survival times and improved immunological fitness.
Scientists now know why ovarian cancer spreads so rapidly in the abdomen
Ovarian cancer cells recruit protective mesothelial cells in abdominal fluid to form hybrid cell clusters that resist chemotherapy. These clusters use spike-like structures called invadopodia to invade surrounding tissue. The discovery opens new treatment possibilities and could help doctors monitor disease progression.
Dual-scale imaging platform captures metabolic and vascular adaptations in vivo, offering new insights for cancer treatment strategies
A multidisciplinary team developed a dual-scale Capillary-Cell microscope to visualize tumor metabolism and vasculature dynamics. The platform revealed complex relationships between tumor vascular network and metabolic behavior, highlighting distinct adaptations based on local conditions.
Hollings researchers reveal why some pancreatic tumors behave differently
A study led by Aaron Hobbs and Rachel Burge reveals the distinct cell signaling and tumor microenvironment behind a slower-growing pancreatic tumor mutation. G12R KRAS mutations lead to better patient outcomes, including earlier diagnoses and longer survival times.
Why do T cells attacking tumors become fatigued?
Active aldehydes promote toxic lipid peroxidation, impairing FAO and activating glycolysis in killer T cells, accelerating exhaustion. This vicious cycle exacerbates T cell differentiation and dysfunction.
Potential tumor-suppressing gene identified in pancreatic cancer
The study reveals that low levels of CTDNEP1 drive early and deadly pancreatic tumors, highlighting its role as a tumor suppressor. Tumors with low CTDNEP1 expression showed stronger metabolic activity and immune evasion.
Scientists reveal how tumor-cell MHC-II drives immunotherapy success
Tumor-specific MHC-II expression is a critical driver of antitumor responses, modulating CD4⁺ T-cell priming, differentiation, and memory formation. This review highlights MHC-II as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for next-generation cancer treatments.
Targeting the matrix for anti-tumor T cell revival
Researchers have identified a protein complex that drives T cell exhaustion in tumors and show that disrupting it can revive exhausted anti-tumor CTLs. The study's findings offer new hope for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers uncover T-cell patterns of colorectal cancer progression
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers identified distinct T-cell infiltration patterns in colorectal cancer precursor lesions and cancer tissues. The findings suggest that understanding these patterns could help detect CRC earlier by predicting risk and develop therapeutic approaches.
Factoring in frailty and age to improve pancreatic cancer treatment
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found that aging accelerates pancreatic cancer progression, leading to faster tumor growth and metastasis. By understanding the impact of age on the tumor microenvironment, they developed a new approach to treating this disease in frail patients.
Hidden HPV-linked cell type may drive early cervical cancer, scientists report
A study published in Chinese Medical Journal identified tumor-promoting keratinocytes linked to HPV infection and poor prognosis. These cells were found to interact with immune cells, promoting tumor proliferation and differentiation.
MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified distinct cellular microenvironments in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tumors, providing a framework to develop therapies that engage the patient's immune system. Additionally, a study found widespread misbeliefs about the cancer risks of alcohol among Americans, highlighting the need f...
Leveraging the power of T cells: Oxford team maps the future of cancer immunotherapy
The review highlights how T cells specifically recognize and eliminate malignant cells through antigen recognition mechanisms. It also explores how tumors evade immune surveillance through various mechanisms and discusses potential therapeutic strategies, including combination therapies to improve response rates for cancer patients.
Disrupting cancer’s secret hubs: A new way to halt tumor growth
A new study by Texas A&M University Health Science Center reveals how TFE3 oncofusions hijack RNA to build liquid-like hubs that promote cancer growth. The researchers also created a molecular switch to dissolve these hubs, cutting off tumor growth at its source.
Cell cycle proteins and tumor microenvironment
Recent studies suggest that cell cycle proteins, including cyclins and CDKs, play a regulatory role in the tumor microenvironment. Inhibiting these proteins has shown promise in converting immunologically 'cold' tumors into 'hot' tumors and suppressing tumor progression.
Innovations in organoid engineering: Construction methods, model development, and clinical translation
Organoids are transforming biomedical research with their ability to model complex diseases like cancer, Zika virus infection, and cystic fibrosis. They enable high-throughput drug testing, personalized treatment prediction, and safety assessment.
Engineered bacterial therapy activates immune response in cancer preclinical studies
ACTM-838, a novel bacterial immunotherapy, enriches in solid tumors and delivers IL-15/IL-15Rα and STING payloads to engage innate and adaptive immunity. The therapy shows durable anti-tumor efficacy and synergizes with anti-PD1 drugs, improving outcomes in treatment-resistant tumor models.
Targeting "aged" immune cells: New strategy to boost immunotherapy in solid tumors
Researchers developed a new strategy to boost immunotherapy in solid tumors by targeting senescent immune cells, which contribute to treatment resistance. The approach showed improved efficacy and lower toxicity compared to existing treatments.
MD Anderson and Nature to co-host conference on the tumor ecosystem
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Springer Nature will host a free conference on the tumor ecosystem, featuring presentations on cancer immunology, microbiome, disease evolution, and metastasis. Researchers can register for the event and submit abstracts to share their findings.
Hitting one target could cripple brain tumors in two critical ways
Researchers have identified a potential new strategy for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive type of adult brain cancer. Disabling a protein called ADAR1 can stall GBM cell proliferation while reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to an anti-tumoral state.
Uncovering cancer-immune cell interactions driving breast cancer metastasis
This study reveals that GPNMB modifies the tumor microenvironment by repurposing macrophages into immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages. The interaction between GPNMB and Siglec-9 enables this reprogramming, leading to increased cancer cell motility and invasiveness.
How mimicry and manipulation enable bone metastases
Researchers discovered that breast cancer cells co-opt iron-recycling immune cells in bone marrow to acquire essential minerals, disrupting red blood cell production. This adaptation enables cancer cells to survive in low-oxygen environments and proliferate, ultimately leading to anemia and poor patient outcomes.
Amino acids: the secret currency of cancer and immunity
The study reveals how tumors manipulate amino acid metabolism to gain a competitive edge, starving immune cells and reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment. Amino acids, once seen as passive nutrients, are now known to steer cell fate, immune suppression, and resistance to immunotherapy.
Ovarian tumor immune landscapes offer clues to better therapy
A study of ovarian tumor immune landscapes reveals four distinct immunologic subtypes, with those with T cells surviving longer and having better outcomes. The researchers also found that myeloid cells play a key role in reestablishing the immune landscape upon recurrence.
How sources of dietary fat influence cancer growth in obesity
A decade-long study reveals that the source of dietary fat, not adiposity itself, is the primary factor influencing tumor growth in obese mice. High-fat diets derived from animal fats compromise anti-tumor immunity and accelerate tumor growth, while plant-based fats have a neutral effect.
T cell senescence in the tumor microenvironment
Senescent T cells exhibit genomic instability, protein imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction, impairing immune function and recognizing tumor antigens. The presence of senescent T cells is associated with poor prognosis and reduced immunotherapy efficacy.
Reshaping tumor neighborhoods to give treatments a boost
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys found that blocking macropinocytosis reshapes the tumor microenvironment, allowing more access to immune cells. This change made immunotherapy and chemotherapy more effective in treating PDAC tumors in mice.
How tumor microbes shape cancer: New insights into microbial diversity in the tumor microenvironment
The study reveals diverse microbial profiles within different tumor types, with notable diversity in species composition and spatial localization. Functional effects of intratumoral microbiota on the tumor microenvironment range from immunostimulatory to protumor.
ERC funding to understand tumor evolution to defeat cancer
The EVOaware project aims to develop an innovative platform that addresses tumour resistance to therapies by using advanced tissue imaging technologies and integrating genetic screening, lineage tracing, and spatial omics techniques. This platform has the potential to accelerate the discovery and development of new cancer therapies.
New insights into breast cancer ecosystem: The complex crosstalk between exosomes and metabolic reprogramming offers promising therapeutic prospects
The interplay between exosomes and metabolic reprogramming shapes breast cancer progression and resistance. Targeting this axis offers novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including exosome-based liquid biopsy techniques and combination therapies.
Precision oncology Organ Chip platform accurately and actionably predicts chemotherapy responses of patients suffering from esophageal adenocarcinoma
Researchers developed patient-specific Cancer Chips to model esophageal tumor microenvironments, enabling accurate prediction of chemotherapy responses. The approach can rapidly stratify patients into responders and non-responders, paving the way for personalized medicine.
Immune cells promoting tumor growth? How dying cancer cells turn their enemies into allies
Scientists at Nagoya University discovered that dying cancer cells can trigger an inflammatory feedback loop that promotes tumor growth. When macrophages consume dying cancer cells, they produce cytokines that activate growth signals in remaining cancer cells.
Self-propelled protein-based nanomotors for enhanced cancer therapy by inducing ferroptosis
Researchers developed self-propelled ferroptosis nanoinducers to enhance cancer therapy by inducing programmed cell death. The nanotherapeutics exhibited enhanced diffusion and deep tumor penetration while maintaining biocompatibility.
SOLFEGE project aims to map the hidden language of cell communication in cancer
The SOLFEGE project aims to investigate how different types of cells coordinate with each other through signals in the tumour microenvironment. Researchers will develop novel experimental tools to observe the influence of soluble factors on cellular organisation and immune cell coordination.
Terasaki Institute researchers develop a 3D microphysiological system modeling pericyte-induced chemoresistance in glioblastoma
Scientists at Terasaki Institute engineer a novel 3D glioblastoma model that mimics brain tissue and pericyte role, showing increased resistance to chemotherapy. The model increases sensitivity of GBM cell lines to TMZ by 22-32%.
Unlocking T-cell plasticity in the tumor microenvironment: Insights into cancer immunotherapy and therapeutic innovations
The review highlights three key regulatory layers of T-cell plasticity: cellular signals, metabolic reprogramming, and physical and biological factors. Innovative therapeutic strategies, such as immune checkpoint therapy and adoptive cell therapy, aim to restore T-cell function and enhance antitumor immunity.
The skinny on fat, ascites and anti-tumor immunity
Researchers discovered that ascites fluid produced by ovarian cancer suppresses cytotoxic lymphocytes, crippling immune cells' ability to kill cancer cells. Fats in ascites cripple NK cells, T cells, and innate T cells, which are attractive candidates for cellular immunotherapies.
MD Anderson Research Highlights for May 8, 2025
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have made breakthroughs in understanding pancreatic cancer metastases and identifying potential biomarkers for treatment-resistant pancreatic cancer. A comprehensive spatial map provides insights into lineage shifts in cancer cells transitioning from primary tumors to organ-specific metastases.
Insights into the spatial organization and tumor microenvironment of primary testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphomas
A new study reveals the spatial organization and tumor microenvironment of primary testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The research identifies exhausted CD8+ T cells and B1 cells as playing a role in tumor progression, while E2F and CREB inhibition shows promise as novel therapeutic targets.
Tumor microenvironment dynamics: the regulatory influence of long non-coding RNAs
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating the tumor microenvironment, influencing processes such as immune evasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. They mediate interactions between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment, modulating stromal cell activities and promoting tumor growth and survival.
Fatty acids promote immune suppression and therapy resistance in triple negative breast cancer
Researchers discovered that lipid accumulation promotes immune suppression and therapy resistance in triple negative breast cancer. Blocking Omega-6 fatty acid intake reversed treatment resistance. Disrupting lipid droplet formation also resensitized tumors to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Circadian rhythms in tumor regulation: Impacts on tumor progression and the immune microenvironment
Recent research highlights the crucial role of circadian rhythms in tumor biology, demonstrating their contribution to tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. Disruptions in these rhythms also influence the tumor immune microenvironment and the efficacy of anticancer therapies.
Transcriptional landscape of PDAC shows distinct cell populations
Researchers identified four distinct cell populations in PDAC, including MMP1+ and S100A2+ tumor cells, CCL2+ macrophages, and OMD+ fibroblasts. These cell subsets contribute to a pro-tumor microenvironment, predicting unfavorable prognosis.
Massive data analysis advances the understanding of how immunotherapy works
A recent study has identified that the neuronal subtype responds best to immunotherapy, while other subtypes exhibit lower response rates. The researchers developed a machine-learning algorithm using large public data sets to predict treatment response based on tumor mutational burden and immune cell infiltration.
MAGE-4 promotes tumor progression by halting antitumor responses
A study found that MAGE-4 drives the accumulation of plasma immune cells suppressing antitumor immunity in mouse and human non-small cell lung cancer models. The protein promotes tumor progression by losing a tumor suppressor gene, PTEN, accelerating development into metastasis.