The Cells Around the Tumor: New Research on Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in PMP

A new study published in Scientific Reports takes a close look at cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in PMP (pseudomyxoma peritonei). CAFs are not cancer cells themselves – they live in the tissue surrounding the cancer. This research suggests they may play an active role in how PMP behaves.

What the researchers found

Using detailed analyses of individual cells, proteins, and tissue samples, the researchers found that:

  • CAFs appear to play an active role in shaping the PMP environment.
  • There are two distinct types of fibroblast-like cells in PMP.
  • These cells can become more inflammatory.
  • Substances released by these cells can influence immune cells called macrophages.

Why it matters

Together, these results suggest that the cells surrounding PMP may help create an environment that affects how the disease grows and how the immune system responds to it. Understanding this “tumor microenvironment” is an important foundation for future research and may help scientists identify new potential targets for treating PMP.

Read the study

De Vuyst F, et al. Integrated single-cell transcriptomic, proteomic, and tissue-level analysis defines cancer-associated fibroblast programs in pseudomyxoma peritonei. Scientific Reports. 2026. Read the full open-access article.

This study is also available in our Published Research library.

This summary is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please talk with your care team about what this research may mean for you.