Tumor Microenvironment and Myelomonocytic Cells

Abstract

Tumor microenvironment represents an extremely dynamic niche shaped by the interplay of different cell types (e.g. tumor cells, stromal cells), their soluble products (e.g.cytokines, chemokines and growth factors) and varied physico-chemical conditions (e.g low oxygen concentration or hypoxia). Recent studies have identified myelomonocytic cells as key players in regulating the tumor microenvironment and hence, tumor progression in a variety of cancers. In view of these findings, the present book attemps to provide a comprehensive account of the diversity of tumor microenvironment across different cancers and how myelomonocytic cells have taken the center-stage in regulating this niche to direct cancer progression. A better understanding of the myelomonocytic cells and the mechanisms by which they regulate cancer progression will open new vistas in cancer therapeutics.