Mechanism study of cancer-associated fibroblasts and clinical application in breast cancer

The occurrence and development of breast cancer is a complex process which referring to multi-factor interaction. During this process, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) secrect various growth factors and cytokines to promote the tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, drug resistance. Meanwhile, it can also judge the prognosis of patients through the expression of CAFs. CAFs may offer a new therapeutic strategy against breast cancer. Key words: Cancer-associated fibroblasts; Breast neoplasms; Tumor microenvironment; Biomarkers; Prognosis