Cancer-associated fibroblasts and their prognostic role in colorectal cancer: review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a component of the tumor microenvironment, influencing tumor behavior and progression. This meta-analysis aims to describe the prognostic value of CAF biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

A systematic search of the existing literature was performed in Medline and Embase on CAF immunohistochemical (IHC) biomarkers and their association with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The selection of studies was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome criteria. The quality of the included articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

A total of 3,535 records were identi

SUBMITTER: Ilie SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12727558 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature