Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Heterogeneity and Bimodality in Oncogenesis

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) often form a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TMA), providing conditions for cancer cells to thrive. CAFs may contribute to tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. However, clinical trials of treatment strategies targeting CAFs have largely failed. Moreover, there is evidence that CAFs are capable of inhibiting tumor development. The review considers the current data on the functional heterogeneity of CAFs and their bimodality in tumor development and progression. Understanding the tumor-promoting and tumor-inhibiting activities of CAFs can help to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Automated summary

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a significant role in tumor growth and progression, but treatment strategies targeting CAFs have shown limited success. Understanding the functional heterogeneity of CAFs and their roles in tumor development can lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.