The tumor microenvironment (TME) is the complex ecosystem surrounding a tumor. It is a complex and continuously evolving entity. The TME comprises a variety of complex components, such as cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and extracellular matrix, that precisely regulate the interaction of tumor cells with other components, allowing tumor cells to continue to metastasize, escape immune surveillance, resist apoptosis, and proliferate. Researchers believe that the TME is not just a silent bystander but instead an active promoter of cancer progression. At the onset of tumor growth, a dynamic and reciprocal relationship is developed between cancer cells and components of the tumor microenvironment; this relationship supports cancer cell survival, local invasion, and metastatic dissemination. In this article, we discuss the role of the various components of the TME in the progression and metastasis of cancer, the pathways influenced by the TME, and the drugs that can treat tumors by targeting  the  components  of  the  TME.

Keywords: Tumor microenvironment; angiogenesis; metastasis; cancer; cells; immune

Ikalo Oseghale is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the Department of Biochemistry at Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria. His academic and research interests are primarily focused on cancer biology, inflammation, and the therapeutic potential of natural products. He has authored 15 scientific publications, which have collectively been cited 21 times, and he currently holds an h-index of 3. A significant highlight of his research career is the co-authorship of a comprehensive review article titled “The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression and Metastasis,” which explores the complex interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding stromal and immune components. This work reflects his strong interest in the molecular mechanisms driving tumor behavior and his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of oncology.

He currently serves as a research assistant in Dr. Saibu’s laboratory, where he is involved in preclinical studies investigating inflammation models and the protective effects of plant-based extracts. This role has deepened his practical experience in experimental biochemistry, histopathology, and pharmacological screening. He is passionate about contributing to cancer research through a multidisciplinary lens and aspires to pursue a Ph.D. focused on tumor immunology and drug discovery.