Cancer-associated fibroblasts: overview, progress, challenges, and directions

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Tumor Microenvironment Research

Background:

• Tumors are a leading cause of human mortality, necessitating advancements in early diagnosis and treatment.
• The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences tumor progression, with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) playing a pivotal role.
• CAFs exhibit heterogeneity and plasticity, impacting tumor development, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor microenvironment.
• To explore the multifaceted roles, origins, biomarkers, and therapeutic implications of CAFs.
• To highlight current research challenges and propose future directions for CAF-targeted cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on CAFs.
• Analysis of CAF heterogeneity, plasticity, and subpopulations.
• Examination of CAF interactions within the immune microenvironment and pre-metastasis niches (PMN).

Main Results:

• CAFs are heterogeneous cells with diverse origins, phenotypes, and functions.
• While often tumor-promoting, CAFs may exhibit tumor-suppressive roles in early cancer stages.
• CAF functions are critical in regulating tumor metastasis and resistance to therapies.

Conclusions:

• Addressing CAF heterogeneity is essential for understanding their complex roles in cancer.
• Targeting CAFs presents a promising avenue for novel cancer diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• Further research into CAF biology will advance personalized cancer treatment approaches.