Erratum: Molecular profiling of colorectal tumors stratified by the histological tumor-stroma ratio - Increased expression of galectin-1 in tumors with high stromal content

Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: The Origin, Biological Characteristics and Role in Cancer-A Glance on Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

Tumor microenvironment is a major contributor to tumor growth, metastasis and resistance to therapy. It consists of many cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which derive from different types of cells. CAFs detected in different tumor types are linked to poor prognosis, as in the case of colorectal cancer. Although their functions differ according to their subtype, their detection is not easy, and there are no established markers for such detection. They are possible targets for therapeutic treatment. Many trials are ongoing for their use as a prognostic factor and as a treatment target. More research remains to be carried out to establish their role in prognosis and treatment.

Abstract

The therapeutic approaches to cancer remain a considerable target for all scientists around the world. Although new cancer treatments are an everyday phenomenon, cancer still remains one of the leading mortality causes. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains in this category, although patients with CRC may have better survival compared with other malignancies. Not only the tumor but also its environment, what we call the tumor microenvironment (TME), seem to contribute to cancer progression and resistance to therapy. TME consists of different molecules and cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are a major component. They arise from normal fibroblasts and other normal cells through various pathways. Their role seems to contribute to cancer promotion, participating in tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatment. Different markers, such as a-SMA, FAP, PDGFR-β, periostin, have been used for the detection of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Their detection is important for two main reasons; research has shown that their existence is correlated with prognosis, and they are already under evaluation as a possible target for treatment. However, extensive research is warranted.

Stromal scoring in advanced colon and rectal cancer: Stroma-rich tumors and their association with aggressive phenotypes

Background: Our aim was to explore relevance of the proportion between neoplastic cell component and tumor-associated stroma in order to assess its association with confirmed aggressive phenotypes of right/left colon and rectum cancers in a large series of patients. Methods: The quantification of stroma component was performed in patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection. The analyzed variables were age, gender, anatomical/pathological features, and tumor-stroma proportion. Tumor-stroma proportion was estimated based on slides used in routine pathology for determination of T status and was described as low, with a stromal percentage ?50% or high, with a stromal percentage >50%. The tumor-stroma proportion was estimated by two observers, and the inter-observer agreement was assessed. Results: The sample included 390 colorectal adenocarcinoma patients. Stroma-rich tumors were observed in 53.3% of cases. Well-differentiated tumors had the lowest stromal proportions (p = 0.028). Stroma-poor tumors showed less depth of invasion (p<0.001). High stromal content was observed in association with tumor budding, perineural, angiolymphatic, and lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis (p?0.001). Colorectal adenocarcinoma without lymph node or distant metastasis involvement had lower stromal proportion, while metastatic ones exhibited high stromal content (p <0.001). The inter-rater reliability (concordance) between the estimations of pathologists for tumor-stroma proportions was high (?=0.746). Conclusion: The tumorstroma proportion in colorectal adenocarcinoma was associated with adverse prognostic factors, reflecting the stage of the disease. Stroma-rich tumors showed a significant correlation with advancement of the disease and its aggressiveness. Due to its availability tumor-stroma proportion evaluation has high application potential and can complement current staging system for colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Galectins in Cancer and the Microenvironment: Functional Roles, Therapeutic Developments, and Perspectives

Changes in cell growth and metabolism are affected by the surrounding environmental factors to adapt to the cell’s most appropriate growth model. However, abnormal cell metabolism is correlated with the occurrence of many diseases and is accompanied by changes in galectin (Gal) performance. Gals were found to be some of the master regulators of cell–cell interactions that reconstruct the microenvironment, and disordered expression of Gals is associated with multiple human metabolic-related diseases including cancer development. Cancer cells can interact with surrounding cells through Gals to create more suitable conditions that promote cancer cell aggressiveness. In this review, we organize the current understanding of Gals in a systematic way to dissect Gals’ effect on human disease, including how Gals’ dysregulated expression affects the tumor microenvironment’s metabolism and elucidating the mechanisms involved in Gal-mediated diseases. This information may shed light on a more precise understanding of how Gals regulate cell biology and facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment by targeting the Gal family.