The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in bladder cancer progression

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that critically contribute to cancer initiation and progression. In bladder cancer (BCa), there is emerging evidence that BCa CAFs are actively involved in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. This review outlines the present knowledge of BCa CAFs, with a particular emphasis on their origin and function in BCa progression, and provides further insights into their clinical application.

Automated summary

This review provides an overview of the origin and function of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in bladder cancer (BCa), highlighting their crucial role in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. It also offers further insights into their potential clinical applications.