Role of tissue microenvironment resident adipocytes in colon cancer

Figure 2 Colon cancer progression and tumour microenvironment. Bi-directional cross-talk between host cells of tumour microenvironment (TME) contributes to colon cancer progression. Activated tumour resident adipocytes increase secretion of cytokines, growth factors, adipokines and release lipid metabolites promoting colon cancer cell proliferation and migration. Cancer cells secrete inflammatory factors which repopulate TME, further enhancing cancer cell proliferation. Tis: carcinoma in situ; T1: Tumour invades submucosa; T2: Tumour invades muscularis propria; T3: Tumour invades through muscularis propria into pericolorectal tissues; T4a: Tumour penetrates to the surface of the visceral peritoneum; T4b: Tumour directly invades or is adherent to other organs or structures.