Stromal Myofibroblasts Predict Disease Recurrence for Colorectal Cancer

Abstract
Purpose: Myofibroblasts, which are specifically differentiated fibroblasts, are thought to play a central role in the desmoplastic reaction, a dynamic stromal change closely associated with cancer development. Although fundamental studies suggest that myofibroblasts may either facilitate or inhibit cancer progression, cumulative evidence supports their role in promoting tumor progression. The aim of this study was to assess the value of myofibroblasts in the cancer stroma as an indicator of disease recurrence after colorectal cancer surgery.