Cancer-associated fibroblasts in neoadjuvant setting for solid cancers.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for cancer progression and therapeutic response.
• Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the TME, influencing tumor growth and treatment resistance.
• Neoadjuvant therapy, administered before primary treatment, can modulate the TME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the heterogeneity and interactions of CAFs within the TME.
• To examine the specific influence of neoadjuvant therapy on CAFs and the TME.
• To propose novel therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on cancer-associated fibroblasts and neoadjuvant therapy.
• Analysis of CAF heterogeneity and their role in tumor progression.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on TME modulation by neoadjuvant therapy.

Main Results:

• CAFs contribute to tumor progression by producing extracellular matrix (ECM) that impedes immune cell infiltration and drug delivery.
• Neoadjuvant therapy can alter CAF populations and functions within the TME.
• Targeting CAFs presents a promising strategy to reduce stromal density and enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Understanding CAF heterogeneity and their interactions is vital for developing effective cancer therapies.
• Neoadjuvant therapy's impact on CAFs warrants further investigation for optimizing treatment protocols.
• Targeting CAFs offers a potential avenue to overcome treatment resistance and improve patient outcomes.