Stromal cell–like macrophages and fibroblasts may play a key role in CRC, as do angiogenic factors such as TNF-α, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and VEGF-A, as these can increase macrophage recruitment, extracellular matrix remodeling, and endothelial cell proliferation.145. Here, MMP2 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.