Stem Cell-Secreted Factors in the Tumor Microenvironment

The importance of the microenvironment in tumor development and their resistance to drugs is increasingly well known. This microenvironment is composed of different cell types, among which cells with stemness properties such as cancer stem cells (CSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are distinguished for their relevant role in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. The relationship between these stem cells (SCs) and tumor microenvironment is conducted by the secretome, consisting of several factors, cytokines, chemokines, and hormones released to the surrounding stroma, which plays a deterministic role in tumor hallmarks. Knowing the intrinsic and complex communication network that SCs establish with the microenvironment will allow to address the tumor processes responsible for cancer progression and the generation of new targeted therapeutic approaches useful in the clinic arena.