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Role of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor progression and invasion

Alberto Mantovani1, Tiziana Schioppa, Chiara Porta

  • 1Istituto Clinico Humanitas, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy. alberto.mantovani@humanitas.it

Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|September 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key inflammatory cells in tumors, promoting cancer growth and immune suppression. Targeting these M2-skewed myeloid cells offers a promising anti-cancer therapy strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the primary inflammatory cells within the tumor stroma.
  • TAMs exhibit M2-like protumoral functions, including angiogenesis promotion, matrix remodeling, and adaptive immune suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss evidence supporting TAMs as a distinct M2-skewed myeloid population.
  • To highlight TAMs as a potential target for anti-cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of TAM functions and their correlation with cancer progression.

Main Results:

  • TAMs are a unique M2-skewed myeloid population.
  • High TAM content in tumors correlates with poor patient prognosis.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs show reduced cancer risk, suggesting a role for inflammation modulation.

Conclusions:

  • TAMs play a significant protumoral role in various cancers.
  • Targeting TAMs represents a viable strategy for novel anti-cancer therapies.

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