Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment promote tumor progression primarily by secreting:
- A Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) that maintain ECM integrity
- B TGF-β, CXCL12, and VEGF that facilitate invasion, immune evasion, and angiogenesis ✓
- C Interferon-gamma that activates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
- D E-cadherin that restores epithelial cohesion
Correct answer: B. TGF-β, CXCL12, and VEGF that facilitate invasion, immune evasion, and angiogenesis
Explanation
Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote tumorigenesis through multiple mechanisms: TGF-β induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immunosuppression; CXCL12 (SDF-1) recruits immunosuppressive MDSCs and promotes tumor cell survival via CXCR4; VEGF drives angiogenesis; MMPs from CAFs degrade ECM to facilitate invasion. TIMPs are ECM-protective; IFN-γ is antitumoral; E-cadherin loss (not gain) is associated with invasion.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.