Cancer Cell
Volume 31, Issue 3, 13 March 2017, Pages 326-341
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Perspective
The Microenvironmental Landscape of Brain Tumors

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The brain tumor microenvironment (TME) is emerging as a critical regulator of cancer progression in primary and metastatic brain malignancies. The unique properties of this organ require a specific framework for designing TME-targeted interventions. Here, we discuss a number of these distinct features, including brain-resident cell types, the blood-brain barrier, and various aspects of the immune-suppressive environment. We also highlight recent advances in therapeutically targeting the brain TME in cancer. By developing a comprehensive understanding of the complex and interconnected microenvironmental landscape of brain malignancies we will greatly expand the range of therapeutic strategies available to target these deadly diseases.

Keywords

brain tumor microenvironment
glioma
brain metastasis
blood-brain barrier
immunotherapy
tumor-associated macrophage

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