Epithelial-stromal interactions and tumor progression: Meeting summary andfuture directions

The Epithelial-Stromal Interactions Workshop was organized with the purpose of accelerating progress in understanding the interrelationship between tu mor cells and their microenvironment and applying this knowledge to the con trol of tumor progression. The format of the meeting was the presentation o f brief reports that focused on concepts rather than specifics, with extens ive discussion periods to identify the issues and barriers hindering progre ss in this area. This report summarizes the findings of this meeting, highl ighting the intimate relationship between tumor cells and their environment and addressing the opportunities that manipulation of host-tumor interacti ons has for therapeutic intervention. Several specific recommendations are made to advance knowledge and progress in this field.