Regulation of tumor growth and metastasis: the role of tumor microenvironment.

The presence of abnormal cells with malignant potential or neoplastic characteristics is a relatively common phenomenon. The interaction of these abnormal cells with their microenvironment is essential for tumor development, protection from the body's immune or defence mechanisms, later progression and the development of life-threatening or metastatic disease. The tumor microenvironment is a collective term that includes the tumor's surrounding and supportive stroma, the different effectors of the immune system, blood platelets, hormones and other humoral factors.

Histidine rich glycoprotein and cancer: a multi-faceted relationship.

A better understanding of the interplay between the tumor environment, the immune system, and hemostatic apparatus is essential to effectively improve cancer treatment. Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is an abundant plasma protein with a wide array of functions. HRG has the ability to bind multiple ligands thereby modulating immunity, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and thrombosis.