The Possible Role of Abnormal Fibroblasts in the Pathogenesis of Breast Cancer

The evidence for the presence of aberrant fibroblasts in cancer patients is reviewed, the possible role played by these cells in the pathogenesis of breast cancer is discussed, and the clinical implications of these findings are considered.

Abstract

Fibroblasts obtained from patients with epithelial tumors have generally been considered to be normal cells. There is, however, a growing body of data indicating these fibroblasts may express a number of aberrant behavioral characteristics commonly associated with transformation. In this communication, we shall (a) review the evidence for the presence of such aberrant fibroblasts in cancer patients, (b) discuss the possible role played by these cells in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, and (c) consider the clinical implications of these findings.