Breast cancer tissues contain genetic and epigenetic changes that result in altered epithelial cell structure and function. This current article discusses recent advances in our understanding of how cancer epithelial cells interact with their microenvironment and how this knowledge can be exploited clinically. THE TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT (TME) An important source of epigenetic regulation of the epithelial compartment. Contains: cells of mesenchymal and hematopoietic origin, non-cellular components; and harbors malignant cells .
Facilitates cancer development, progression, and responses to treatment. Epigenetic mechanisms in cancer cells and the TME are thought to play important roles in metastasis. CANCER-ASSOCIATED FIBROBLASTS IN THE TME Salient features Cancer- associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are of critical in cancer initiation, progression, survival, metastasis, and invasion via the…
