Tumor Microenvironment Shapes Colorectal Cancer Progression, Metastasis, and Treatment Responses

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most devastating diseases that accounts for numerous deaths worldwide. Tumor cell-autonomous pathways, such as the oncogenic signaling activation, significantly contribute to CRC progression and metastasis. Recent accumulating evidence suggests that the CRC microenvironment also profoundly promotes or represses this process. As the roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CRC progression and metastasis is gradually uncovered, the importance of these non-cell-autonomous signaling pathways is appreciated. However, we are still at the beginning of this TME function exploring process. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the TME in CRC progression and metastasis by focusing on the gut microbiota and host cellular and non-cellular components. We also briefly discuss TME-remodeling therapies in CRC.