Abstract 6010: Tumor mhicroenvironment effects on hematopoietic stem cell induced tumor growth following radiation therapy

The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprised of tumor tissue, stromal cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), bone marrow (BM)-derived immune cells, and various signaling molecules, rarely remains static. These components continuously respond to internal and external stimuli to promote tumor progression as well as regrowth after therapy. Recently, we reported that functional BM-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) take up residence within growing lung tumors. Interestingly, when tumors were exposed to radiation therapy (RT) there was a significant increase in HSPC numbers within tumors (p