Pancreatic stellate cell: Update on molecular investigations and clinical translation in pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is a particularly aggressive tumor, distinguished by the presence of a prominent collagenous stroma and desmoplasia that envelops the tumor cells. Pancreatic stellate cell (PSC) contributes to the formation of a dense fibrotic stroma and has been demonstrated to facilitate tumor progression. As the significance of PSCs is increasingly revealed, more explorations are focused on the complex molecular mechanisms and tumor–stromal crosstalk in order to guide potential therapeutic approaches through deactivating or reprogramming PSCs. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist in translating preclinical discoveries into clinical applications. In this review, we expect to offer a comprehensive overview of the latest molecular advancements in PSCs, along with new insights into the clinical therapeutic strategies targeting PSCs.