tumor microenvironment
Also written as: TME — Tumor Microenvironment
The cellular and molecular environment surrounding a tumor, including immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, and signaling molecules.
Full Definition
The tumor microenvironment (TME) encompasses all cellular and molecular components surrounding cancer cells, including immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, and the extracellular matrix, along with various cytokines, growth factors, and other signaling molecules. In thoracic oncology, understanding the TME is crucial for predicting response to immunotherapy and developing new therapeutic strategies. The TME can be immunosuppressive or immune-activated, influencing how well treatments like checkpoint inhibitors work. Factors such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, PD-L1 expression, and immune cell composition are increasingly used to guide treatment decisions.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'tumor microenvironment' rather than 'tumour microenvironment' in international contexts; TME abbreviation is widely accepted.
In Context
- "Analysis of the tumor microenvironment revealed dense immune infiltration predictive of immunotherapy response." — Biomarker analysis report
- "Therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment are showing promise in clinical trials." — Research publication