HGF and neoplasm: Thanks to their ability to secrete cytokines (e.g., IL-6), chemokines (e.g., CXCL8/IL-8), growth factors (e.g., FGF, HGF, TGF-β, VEGF), and extracellular matrix proteins, and remodeling enzymes (e.g., collagen I, tenascin C, periostin, fibronectin, MMP-1), CAFs literally support all vital steps of tumor progression.