The microenvironment of pituitary adenomas: biological, clinical and therapeutical implications

The microenvironment of pituitary adenomas (PAs) includes a range of non-tumoral cells, such as immune and stromal cells, as well as cell signaling molecules such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, which surround pituitary tumor cells and may modulate tumor initiation, progression, invasion, angiogenesis and other tumorigenic processes. The microenvironment of PAs has been actively investigated over the last years, with several immune and stromal cell populations, as well as different cytokines, chemokines and growth factors being recently characterized in PAs. Moreover, key microenvironment-related genes as well as immune-related molecules and pathways have been investigated, with immune check point regulators emerging as promising targets for immunotherapy. Understanding the microenvironment of PAs will contribute to a deeper knowledge of the complex biology of PAs, as well as will provide developments in terms of diagnosis, clinical management and ultimately treatment of patients with aggressive and/or refractory PAs.

Automated summary

The microenvironment of pituitary adenomas (PAs), consisting of non-tumoral cells and signaling molecules, plays a crucial role in tumor initiation, progression, and invasion. Recent studies have characterized immune and stromal cell populations, as well as various cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in PAs. Key genes and immune-related molecules and pathways have also been investigated, with immune checkpoint regulators showing promise as targets for immunotherapy. Understanding the microenvironment of PAs provides insights into the complex biology of PAs and has implications for diagnosis, clinical management, and treatment of aggressive and refractory PAs.