# The Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Cancer Prevention

## TL;DR

This paper explores how the extracellular matrix influences cancer prevention and suggests new research directions based on its role in cancer initiation.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the ECM's potential for cancer prevention research, emphasizing stiffness, remodeling, and hyaluronan.

## Key findings

- ECM stiffness and remodeling are linked to cancer initiation.
- Hyaluronan and pericytes play roles in ECM-related cancer processes.
- ECM-focused research could improve risk prediction and early detection.

## Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a major role in tumorigenesis. Its role in cancer prevention is not well known. Nonetheless, available evidence of how the ECM influences cancer development suggests its use for targeting prevention, risk prediction, early detection, surrogate endpoints, and, understanding risk factors.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major driver of tumorigenesis, yet its role in cancer prevention has received relatively little attention. Here, we discuss studies linking the ECM to cancer initiation with an emphasis on ECM stiffness and remodeling, pericytes, and hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid). We then share our thoughts on how an ECM viewpoint could lead to new insights and directions in cancer-prevention research. Topics discussed include mouse experiments, clinical studies, risk factors, biomarkers for risk prediction or the early detection of cancer, surrogate endpoints, and targets for preventive interventions.