Tumorigenesis is a complex and dynamic process involving different cellular and non-cellular elements composed of tumor microenvironment (TME). The interaction of TME with
cancer cells is responsible for
tumor development, progression and drug resistance. TME consists of non malignant cells of the
tumor such as cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells and pericytes composing
tumor vasculature, immune and inflammatory cells, bone marrow derived cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) establishing a complex cross-talk with
tumor. These interactions contribute towards proliferation and invasion of the
tumor by producing
growth factors,
chemokines and matrix-degrading
enzymes. ECM is a complex system containing macromolecules with distinctive physical, biochemical and biomechanical properties. During
tumorigenesis this system is deregulated favoring the generation of tumorigenic microenvironment enhancing
tumor-associated angiogenesis and
inflammation. An important step of anticancer treatment is the identification of the biological alterations present in TME in order to target these key molecular players. Multitargeted approaches, providing a simultaneous inhibition of TME components, may offer a more efficient way to treat
cancer. In this manuscript we overview the function of each components of TME and the treatments targeting the key players.