Journal Article
Tumor-associated fibrosis: a unique mechanism promoting ovarian cancer metastasis and peritoneal dissemination
Hiroki Fujimoto; Masato Yoshihara; Raymond Rodgers; Shohei Iyoshi; Kazumasa Mogi; Emiri Miyamoto; Sae Hayakawa; Maia Hayashi; Satoshi Nomura; Kazuhisa Kitami; Kaname Uno; Mai Sugiyama; Yoshihiro Koya; Yoshihiko Yamakita; Akihiro Nawa; Atsushi Enomoto; Carmela Ricciardelli; Hiroaki Kajiyama
Cancer and Metastasis Reviews · Vol. 43, Issue 3 · pp. 1037-1053 · 2024
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is often diagnosed in advanced stage with peritoneal dissemination. Recent studies indicate that aberrant accumulation of collagen fibers in tumor stroma has a variety of effects on tumor progression. We refer to remodeled fibrous stroma with altered expression of collagen molecules, increased stiffness, and highly oriented collagen fibers as tumor-associated fibrosis (TAF). TAF contributes to EOC cell invasion and metastasis in the intraperitoneal cavity. However, an understanding of molecular events involved is only just beginning to emerge. Further development in this field will lead to new strategies to treat EOC. In this review, we focus on the recent findings on how the TAF contributes to EOC malignancy. Furthermore, we will review the recent initiatives and future therapeutic strategies for targeting TAF in EOC.