Brain Metastases Cell Partners and Tumor Microenvironment

Abstract

The microenvironment has emerged as a promising source of novel therapeutic applications in experimental models of brain metastasis. Our limited understanding of the complex brain ecosystem transformed by the presence of cancer cells includes key cell types that either promote or limit local progression of metastatic cells. Identification of the molecular networks regulating the crosstalk between cancer cells and the microenvironment but also within different brain resident and non-resident cell types surrounding the tumor is crucial to decipher the biology of colonization and subsequently to target key nodes with innovative and effective therapies.