reviewMolecular CancerOct 2, 2023GOLD OA

Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials

HZHao ZhangXYXinghai YueZCZhe ChenCLChao LiuWWWantao Wu

Dalian Medical University · Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University · +9 more institutions

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdoajpubmed

Abstract

Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations…

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Authors

12

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
  • Tumor microenvironment
  • Cancer
  • Cancer research
  • Metastasis
  • Immunotherapy
  • Angiogenesis
  • Cancer immunotherapy
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
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