CXCL8 and cancer: Cytokines in the TME, particularly those secreted by cancer cells, are key drivers of the transformation of NFs into CAFs. IL-17 secreted by gastric cancer induces NFs to convert into ‘CAF-like’ cells, thereby remodeling the TME; these ‘CAF-like’ cells can then secrete IL-8, which further promotes the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer.