Adequate blood supply is essential for tumor survival, growth and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic and complex, comprising cancer cells, cancer‑associated stromal cells and their extracellular products. The TME serves an important role in tumor progression. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the principal component of stromal cells within the TME, and contribute to tumor neo‑angiogenesis by altering the proteome and degradome. The present paper reviews previous studies of the molecular signaling pathways by which CAFs promote tumor neo‑angiogenesis and highlights therapeutic response targets. Also discussed are potential strategies for antitumor neo‑angiogenesis to improve tumor treatment efficacy.