The study identifies 56 local cellular programs and 13 distinct spatial niches, representing consensus structural units across pan-cancer tissues.

The findings deepen our understanding of how cellular communication and structural factors shape complex tumor ecosystems, highlighting spatial macrophage distribution as a promising biomarker for clinical outcomes.

A research team led by Prof. LI Hong from SINH, Chinese Academy of Sciences, analyzed the tumor microenvironment across 12 cancer types to map its spatial architecture and organization.

Macrophages play dual roles, driving both pro-tumor and anti-tumor activities based on their spatial distribution within the tumor microenvironment.

Clinically relevant niches show significant associations with patient prognosis and responses to immunotherapy, pointing to potential biomarkers and therapeutic avenues.

Niche-related interactions, including ligand-receptor signaling and cell-type–specific differential expression, shed light on how niches are organized within tumors.