**4. Conclusions**

This is the first scientific report about the modulatory effect of CTX on paracrine signaling during tumor–stroma crosstalk as it inhibits CAFs' differentiation. In the 3D model, CTX repressed the expression of mesenchymal markers, chemokines, and growth factors associated with the EMT process. CTX also suppressed the invasion of collagen gel due to a decrease in MMP-9 and MMP-13 secretions and activities. We have provided evidence that CTX is a potential modulator of the signaling cascade involved in the progression of EMT, a critical phase that results in metastasis.
