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Deconstructing Tumor Heterogeneity Workshop: The Stromal Perspective

A microscopic view of breast cancer cells

Breast cancer cells (pink, orange, and purple) in the supportive tissue, or stroma (green, red, and yellow), of the tumor microenvironment.

Credit: Credit: National Cancer Institute

The overarching goals of this workshop held in September 2019 were to build upon advances in tumor-immune interactions and to highlight the critical functions of stromal cell types within the context of their contribution to tumor heterogeneity. 

Attendees of the workshop participated in the following activities: 

  • Explored the concept of tumor supportive vs tumor suppressive stroma and the role of dynamic cellular composition during disease progression 
  • Discussed mechanisms by which the microenvironment may promote indolence or drive aggressiveness of early lesions 
  • Highlighted emerging themes of stromal plasticity and tumor-stromal crosstalk 
  • Examined how spatial geography impacts stromal attributes and function 
  • Discussed therapeutic implications and potential vulnerabilities within the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment 
  • Identified current challenges and knowledge gaps in the field

Documents from the Workshop

Workshop Report

A summary of the meeting was published in Oncotarget: Deconstructing Tumor Heterogeneity: The Stromal Perspective

DCB Contacts for the Workshop

For additional information about the workshop, please contact Dr. Jeff Hildesheim or Dr. Elizabeth Woodhouse.

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