Disclosed herein are methods for modulating the environment of a tumor, by inhibiting the activity of the extracellular enzyme lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2). The methods disclosed herein are effective in reducing tumor growth, reducing recruitment of cells to the tumor, reducing fibroblast activation, reducing desmoplasia, reducing vasculogenesis, reducing the number of TAFs, reducing growth factor production, inhibiting collagen deposition, and increasing necrosis and pyknosis in the tumor. Exemplary inhibitors of LOXL2 activity are antibodies and siRNAs.