The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in cancer progression by influencing both cancer cells and stromal cells. The ECM is a complex network of macromolecules with distinct physical, biochemical, and biomechanical properties. During embryonic development and organ homeostasis, the ECM is tightly regulated, but it becomes disorganized in diseases like cancer. Abnormal ECM dynamics promote cellular transformation, metastasis, and the generation of a tumorigenic microenvironment. The ECM's composition and topography are essential for maintaining tissue integrity and regulating cell behavior. Changes in ECM stiffness, composition, and topography can disrupt tissue polarity, architecture, and integrity, leading to epithelial cell transformation and invasion. Additionally, the ECM influences stromal cell behavior, facilitating tumor-associated angiogenesis and inflammation. Understanding how ECM dynamics are maintained and how their deregulation affects cancer progression may lead to new therapeutic interventions targeting the tumor niche.The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in cancer progression by influencing both cancer cells and stromal cells. The ECM is a complex network of macromolecules with distinct physical, biochemical, and biomechanical properties. During embryonic development and organ homeostasis, the ECM is tightly regulated, but it becomes disorganized in diseases like cancer. Abnormal ECM dynamics promote cellular transformation, metastasis, and the generation of a tumorigenic microenvironment. The ECM's composition and topography are essential for maintaining tissue integrity and regulating cell behavior. Changes in ECM stiffness, composition, and topography can disrupt tissue polarity, architecture, and integrity, leading to epithelial cell transformation and invasion. Additionally, the ECM influences stromal cell behavior, facilitating tumor-associated angiogenesis and inflammation. Understanding how ECM dynamics are maintained and how their deregulation affects cancer progression may lead to new therapeutic interventions targeting the tumor niche.