Role of metabolic reprogramming of cancer‑associated fibroblasts in tumor development and progression (Review)

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

The occurrence and development of tumors is affected by tumor cells themselves and various components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Among these, cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the main stromal component, can differentiate from different cell types and play an important role in the TME. The present review summarized the role of the metabolic reprogramming of CAFs in tumor development and progression. As the rapid growth of tumors is a process inseparable from energy supply and the TME is characterized by hypoxia and nutrient deficiencies, metabolic reprogramming can reverse the effects of a lack of energy supply in the TME. Studies have found that CAFs can affect tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis and drug resistance by changing metabolic patterns. The present review promoted research on the metabolic reprogramming of CAFs and emphasized the importance of considering the heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs in the TME, which will lead to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies that target specific metabolic pathways in CAFs, potentially improving the efficacy of cancer treatments and overcoming drug resistance.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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