Internal medicine

Tumor microenvironment

Carcinogenesis

Biology

Cancer

Oncology

Extracellular matrix

Metastasis

Tumor progression

Cell biology

Malignant transformation

Cancer research

Medicine

Fibronectin

Cells

The role of fibronectin (FN) in tumorigenesis and malignant progression has been highly controversial. Cancerous FN plays a tumor-suppressive role, whereas it is pro-metastatic and associated with poor prognosis. Interestingly, FN matrix deposited in the tumor microenvironments (TMEs) promotes tumor progression but is paradoxically related to a better prognosis. Here, we justify how FN impacts tumor transformation and subsequently metastatic progression. Next, we try to reconcile and rationalize the seemingly conflicting roles of FN in cancer and TMEs. Finally, we propose future perspectives for potential FN-based therapeutic strategies.

Fibronectin in Cancer: Friend or Foe