CXCL12 and neoplasm: Once activated, CAFs secrete various bioactive molecules, including growth factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF]), chemokines (e.g., CXCL12, CXCL5), and ECM proteins, thereby promoting tumor cell survival, angiogenesis, and immune evasion [6].