ROLE OF PANCREATIC STELLATE CELLS IN PROGRESSION OF PANCREATIC CANCER

The present review analyzes literature data about the relationship between stellate and cancer cells of the pancreas and their possible role in the progression of cancer. In the presence of cancer cells pancreatic stellate cells are activated which is expressed in the enhancement of their proliferation and migration, stimulation of synthesis of extracellular matrix components and the formation of a dense fibrous tissue around the tumor. In turn, pancreatic stellate cells contribute to the growth of the tumor, its chemo- and radioresistance. They induce proliferation and spread of cancer cells as well as the formation of distant metastases.