Cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment secrete cytokines that interact with other cells in a 3D extracellular matrix. These dysregulated cytokines facilitate intracellular communication, moderating pathophysiological processes. Secretomic profiles of cancer cells advance as they multiply and become more invasive, which suggests that secreted factors may be associated with proliferation and migration. By characterizing these secretomic profiles, you can functionally define each cell type involved in the immune response for oncology research and diagnostics.