Tumor interstitial space

The tumor interstitial space is the compartment within solid tumors located outside blood and lymphatic vessels and parenchymal cells, defined by the extracellular matrix (mostly collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans) and the interstitial fluid (tumor interstitial fluid). It is the principal medium for the transport of nutrients, waste, drugs, and signaling molecules between cells and capillaries. The composition and organization of the tumor interstitium affect the diffusion of macromolecules, the migration and behavior of cancer and stromal cells, and are a central barrier to the uniform delivery of therapeutic agents to tumors. The structure and biochemical milieu of this space differ markedly from normal tissue interstitium and contribute to tumor pathophysiology, including growth, invasion, and metastasis.

Other names

Tumor interstitiumtumor stromatumor microenvironment

Modification of the tumor interstitial space is sometimes attempted (e.g., by collagenase, hyaluronidase, or stroma-modifying agents) to enhance drug delivery No direct pharmacological mechanism against the space itself