Acidic Tumor Microenvironment (Acidic TME)

The acidic tumor microenvironment refers to the consistently lower extracellular pH found in most solid tumors compared to normal tissues. This acidity is primarily a result of altered cancer cell metabolism, particularly increased glycolysis, which leads to excessive production and export of lactic acid and protons into the extracellular space. The acidic microenvironment promotes cancer progression by driving selection for more aggressive cancer cell phenotypes, impairing anti-tumor immunity, and fostering therapy resistance.

Other names

Tumor AcidosisAcidic MicroenvironmentLow pH Tumor Environment

Small-molecule inhibitors targeting acid-base regulators; drug delivery systems exploiting low pH