Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of macromolecules such as proteoglycans (PGs), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and fibrous proteins present within all tissues and organs. The main role of ECM is not only to provide an essential mechanical scaffold for the cells but also to mediate crucial biochemical cues that are required for tissue homeostasis. Dysregulations in ECM deposition alter cell microenvironment, triggering the onset or the rapid progression of several diseases, including cancer. Hyaluronan (HA) is a ubiquitous component of ECM considered as one of the main players of cancer initiation and progression. This review discusses how HA participate in and regulate several aspects of tumorigenesis, with particular attention to the hallmarks of cancer proposed by Hanahan and Weinberg such as sustaining of the proliferative signaling, evasion of apoptosis, angiogenesis, activation of invasion and metastases, reprogramming of energy metabolism and evasion of immune response.

细胞外基质（ECM）是存在于所有组织和器官中的大分子（如蛋白聚糖（PGs），糖胺聚糖（GAGs）和纤维蛋白）的复杂网络。ECM的主要作用不仅是为细胞提供必要的机械支架，而且还可以介导组织稳态所需的重要生化线索。ECM沉积失调会改变细胞微环境，从而引发包括癌症在内的多种疾病的发作或迅速发展。透明质酸（HA）是ECM普遍存在的成分，被认为是癌症发生和发展的主要参与者之一。这篇评论讨论了HA如何参与并调控肿瘤发生的多个方面，特别关注了Hanahan和Weinberg提出的癌症标志，例如维持增殖信号传导，