Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Implications for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Tumour cells do not exist as an isolated entity. Instead, they are surrounded by and closely interact with cells of the environment they are emerged in. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is not static and several factors, including cancer cells and therapies, have been described to modulate several of its components. Fibroblasts are key elements of the TME with the capacity to influence tumour progression, invasion and response to therapy, which makes them attractive targets in cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on fibroblasts and their numerous roles in the TME with a special attention to recent findings describing their heterogeneity and role in therapy response. Furthermore, we explore how different therapies can impact these cells and their communication with cancer cells. Finally, we highlight potential strategies targeting this cell type that can be employed for improving patient outcome.

Potential of Gold Nanoparticles in Current Radiotherapy Using a Co-Culture Model of Cancer Cells and Cancer Associated Fibroblasts

“…Similar acquired radioresistance and improved DNA DSB repair of CAFs of multiple origins including breast, prostate and lung were found by Domogauer et al [ 58 ]. CAFs were found to produce an interferon-related DNA damage resistance gene signature (IRDS) that play an important role in the DNA repair mechanism [ 57 , 59 , 60 ]. DNA DSB were confirmed visually using confocal microscope images for MIA PaCa-2 in monoculture (first column in Figure 6 ) and co-culture with different ratios of CAFs (second, third, and fourth columns in Figure 6 ).…”

Urinary Tract Tumor Organoids Reveal Eminent Differences in Drug Sensitivities When Compared to 2-Dimensional Culture Systems

“…Detection of vimentin pos cells in BCOs is important in another context as well. Tumor associated fibroblasts are known to modulate the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs [ 93 , 94 ]. When BCOs are employed in drug screens, the mesenchymal cells may grant a better match of this tumor model to the clinical situation when compared to standard cultures of tumor cells.…”

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of Patients with Early Breast Cancer Is Associated with Increased Detection of Disseminated Tumor Cells in the Bone Marrow

“…Furthermore, neoadjuvant chemotherapy increases the release of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles that might facilitate the formation of metastasis [11,26]. Moreover, several studies have highlighted the potentially pro-tumorigenic effects of chemotherapy both directly in cancer cells [27] and in the tumor microenvironment [28]. These effects often correlate with a decreased rate of DFS and increased recurrence rates.…”