A solid tumor forms an organ-like entity comprised of neoplastic cells and non-transformed
host stromal cells embedded in an extracellular matrix. Similar to normal tissues, blood
vessels nourish cells residing in tumors. However, unlike normal blood vessels, tumor
vasculature has abnormal organization, structure, and function. Tumor vessels are leaky and
blood flow is heterogeneous and often compromised. Vascular hyperpermeability and the
lack of functional lymphatic vessels inside tumors cause elevation of interstitial fluid pressure …