Targeting the tumor microenvironment in B-cell lymphoma: challenges and opportunities

B-cell lymphoma is a group of hematological malignancies with high clinical and biological heterogeneity. The pathogenesis of B-cell lymphoma involves a complex interaction between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is composed of stromal cells and extracellular matrix. Although the roles of the TME have not been fully elucidated, accumulating evidence implies that TME is closely relevant to the origination, invasion and metastasis of B-cell lymphoma. Explorations of the TME provide distinctive insights for cancer therapy. Here, we epitomize the recent advances of TME in B-cell lymphoma and discuss its function in tumor progression and immune escape. In addition, the potential clinical value of targeting TME in B-cell lymphoma is highlighted, which is expected to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.