I am interested to know the exact definition of tumor micro-environment in reference to FFPEs (Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded tissues) and in vivo both. Does it depend upon the physical distance between the tumor and non-tumor compartments or distance doesn't matter as we always talk about the paracrine signaling? Any thoughts are welcome but would be nice if they are with reference.
Tumor microenvironment is the tissue sorrounding a tumor and the tissue located between different parts of a malignant tumor and is influenced by the tumor and at the same time influences the tumor evolution.
These influences include cytokines , growth factors, growth factor receptors, hormones.
We have to admit that tumors create their own microenvironment but at the same time the previous conditions of the microenvironment contribute to the final result.
I am trying to describe here in a few words a process that requires many volumes of a book. I hope this will be of any help.
Dr. Kolati,Thank you for your response. you provided definition is suggesting exactly how it is functionally defined. But I wanted to know in reference to tumor biopsies and in vivo condition. To be exact, can we say that in a tumor biopsy, all the non tumor tissue is tumor microenvironment or it has to be exactly physically connected to the tumor cells which probably then could be limited by a physical distance unit. as 2 uM tissue surrounding the tumor or tissue within a reference limit is taken as a microenvironment?
It is impossible to define with precision the limits of what should be considered “tumor microenvironment” but you will find more details in
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00280-008-0881-9
and in
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3689267/
I can't say that everything that is not tumor is tumor microenvironment and I am unable to establish a maximum distance between tumor and tumor microenvironment.
Unfortunately this is not an exact science. But I have a personal idea about the subject which may not be correct: everything that is under the tumor control and physically close to it, may be considered tumor microenvironment.
Other authors may not accept this definition.
Best regards.
Tomas
Dear Dr. Kolati,
I will definitely go through your recommended references. But I dont want to miss the opportunity to ask you a quick question please.
In the absence of any physical boundaries defined as tumor microenvironment, and not knowing whether the tumor is controlling the micro environment or vice versa , if we find statistically significant association between the expression of proteins form tumor and non tumor environment ( irrespective of the distance between the two) can we call that non tumor population as tumor microenvironment?
I am enclosing a drawing that will explain better certain personal ideas.
I think that the tumor microenvironment reaches to the extent where we can find normal intersticial pH. All the territory of increased acidity can be considered tumor microenvironment.
About your idea of association between the expression of proteins from tumor and non tumor environment is sort of complicated, because tumors are highly heterogeneus genetically and in their phenotype.
Besides, tumors have close connections between tumor cells and endothelial stem cells of the bone marrow. Should we include the later also in the microenvironment?
I think, we shouldn't.
The pH definition of microenvironment is based on the pH changes that tumors produce in their microenvironment. In a simplistic way: if pH is not altered, that is not tumor microenvironment, contrario sensu, if pH is decreased that is tumor microenvironment.
Of course I know that this concept is not universally accepted by science. I am sorry t be slightly heretic on the issue.
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