肿瘤微环境（TME）显着影响癌症进展，间充质干细胞（MSC）在通过旁分泌信号与肿瘤细胞相互作用中发挥着至关重要的作用，影响增殖、迁移和上皮间质转化等行为。虽然传统的二维文化模型提供了有价值的见解，但它们无法完全复制 TME 的复杂性和多样性。因此，开发更好地模拟体内条件的 3D 培养系统至关重要。本综述深入探讨了 TME 的异质性，重点关注 MSC 肿瘤细胞信号传导和 3D 培养技术的进步。在癌症治疗中利用间充质干细胞为提高治疗效果和克服耐药机制提供了机会。了解 TME 内 MSC 的相互作用并利用 3D 培养模型可以推进新型癌症疗法并改善临床结果。此外，这篇综述强调了工程化 MSC 的治疗潜力，强调了它们在靶向抗癌治疗中的作用。© 作者 2024。由牛津大学出版社出版。

The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences cancer progression, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a crucial role in interacting with tumor cells via paracrine signaling, affecting behaviors such as proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. While conventional 2D culture models have provided valuable insights, they cannot fully replicate the complexity and diversity of the TME. Therefore, developing 3D culture systems that better mimic in vivo conditions is essential. This review delves into the heterogeneous nature of the TME, spotlighting MSC-tumor cellular signaling and advancements in 3D culture technologies. Utilizing MSCs in cancer therapy presents opportunities to enhance treatment effectiveness and overcome resistance mechanisms. Understanding MSC interactions within the TME and leveraging 3D culture models can advance novel cancer therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Additionally, this review underscores the therapeutic potential of engineered MSCs, emphasizing their role in targeted anti-cancer treatments.© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press.