Definition of tumor microenvironment - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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tumor microenvironment (TOO-mer MY-kroh-en-VY-run-MENT)

The normal cells, molecules, and blood vessels that surround and feed a tumor cell. A tumor can change its microenvironment, and the microenvironment can affect how a tumor grows and spreads.

Previous Definitions:	tumor debulking, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte, tumor initiation, tumor load, tumor marker
Next Definitions:	tumor model, tumor necrosis factor, tumor promotion, tumor suppressor gene, tumor vasculature–targeted tumor necrosis factor alpha