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Updated: Nov 26, 2025
A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth
Published on: December 22, 2020
Natural products remodel cancer-associated fibroblasts in desmoplastic tumors
Rujing Chen1, Leaf Huang2, Kaili Hu1
1Murad Research Center for Modernized Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
Abstract:
Desmoplastic tumors have an abundance of stromal cells and the extracellular matrix which usually result in therapeutic resistance. Current treatment prescriptions for desmoplastic tumors are usually not sufficient to eliminate the malignancy. Recently, through modulating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which are the most abundant cell type among all stromal cells, natural products have improved chemotherapies and the delivery of nanomedicines to the tumor cells, showing promising ability to improve treatment effects on desmoplastic tumors. In this review, we discussed the latest advances in inhibiting desmoplastic tumors by modeling CAFs using natural products, highlighting the potential therapeutic abilities of natural products in targeting CAFs for cancer treatment.
Insights
Natural products show promise in overcoming therapeutic resistance in desmoplastic tumors by targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). This approach enhances chemotherapy and nanomedicine delivery for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Desmoplastic tumors exhibit significant stromal content and extracellular matrix, leading to therapeutic resistance.
- Current treatments for desmoplastic tumors are often insufficient for complete eradication.
- Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the predominant stromal cell type in these tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in targeting CAFs within desmoplastic tumors.
- To explore the potential of natural products in modulating CAFs for cancer therapy.
- To highlight natural products' role in enhancing conventional treatments for desmoplastic tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on natural products and CAFs in desmoplastic tumors.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which natural products affect CAFs.
- Evaluation of improved drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy.
Main Results:
- Natural products can modulate CAFs, a key component of the tumor stroma.
- Targeting CAFs with natural products improves chemotherapy efficacy.
- Natural products facilitate enhanced delivery of nanomedicines to desmoplastic tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- Natural products offer a promising strategy for overcoming therapeutic resistance in desmoplastic tumors.
- Targeting CAFs with natural products presents a viable approach for enhancing cancer treatment.
- Further research into natural product-CAF interactions could lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
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