Value of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the occurrence and development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most important cellular components of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. CAFs acquire an activated phenotype via various cytokines, promote tumor proliferation and growth, accelerate invasion and metastasis, induce angiogenesis, and enhance chemical drug resistance. Therefore, studies on the interaction between CAFs and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells are expected to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic value of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from the perspective of tumor microenvironment.