Targeting the tumour stroma to increase efficacy of chemo- and radiotherapy.

The impact of a favourable microenvironment on tumour progression is a limiting factor for current tumour therapy protocols, as it contributes to the selection of resistant tumour cells. Apart from immune and inflammatory cells, the extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells are crucial mediators of protective signals. An important research effort exposes potential environmental targets that may define new therapeutic strategies for solid tumours.