Targeting the stromal fibroblasts: a novel approach to melanoma therapy

Abstract

Classically, cancer is thought of as a genetic disease, where the step-wise acquisition of mutations initiates and drives progression. More recent thinking posits that, although cancers are initiated through genetic mutation, progression is often the result of dynamic interactions between the tumor cells and their surrounding environment.

Keywords::

• E-cadherin
• extracellular matrix
• fibroblasts
• insulin growth factor-I
• integrins
• melanocyte
• melanoma
• stroma
• transforming growth factor-β