TUMOR INTERSTITIAL FLUID - MISCONSIDERED COMPONENT OF THE INTERNAL MILIEU OF A SOLID TUMOR

The tumor interstitial fluid (TIF) is a fluid phase present in the ext racellular space of all tumors whose importance in oncology is seldom recognized. In order to stimulate other researchers to give it the due importance, a review of the available data (including our own) is pro vided. An hypothesis is presented for the genesis, fate and role of th e TIF in the processes of invasion, growth and metastatization. Open q uestions regarding the TIF's role in tumor response to therapy are rai sed.