Spatial profiling technologies illuminate the tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of many different cellular and acellular components that together drive tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapies. Increasing realization of the significance of the TME in cancer biology has shifted cancer research from a cancer-centric model to one that considers the TME as a whole. Recent technological advancements in spatial profiling methodologies provide a systematic view and illuminate the physical localization of the components of the TME. In this re-view, we provide an overview of major spatial profiling technologies. We present the types of information that can be extracted from these data and describe their applications, findings and challenges in cancer research. Finally, we provide a future perspective of how spatial profiling could be integrated into cancer research to improve patient diagnosis, prognosis, stratification to treatment and development of novel therapeutics.

Automated summary

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of various components that contribute to tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and therapy response. Recent technological advancements in spatial profiling provide a comprehensive view of TME components. This review highlights major spatial profiling technologies, their applications, findings, and challenges in cancer research, as well as the potential of integrating spatial profiling into cancer research for improved diagnosis, prognosis, treatment stratification, and therapeutics development.