Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
08:36

In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction

Published on: August 1, 2019

Anti-tumour strategies aiming to target tumour-associated macrophages

Xiaoqiang Tang1, Chunfen Mo, Yongsheng Wang

  • 1Department of Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Immunology
|November 2, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key players in cancer progression and therapy resistance. Targeting TAMs, by inhibiting recruitment, survival, or modulating their activity, offers promising new avenues for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are prevalent inflammatory cells in solid tumours.
  • TAMs, predominantly M2-like, drive tumour progression, drug resistance, and radio-protection.
  • High TAM numbers and M2 profiles correlate with cancer therapy failure and poor prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in TAM-targeted strategies for cancer therapy.
  • To categorize TAM-targeting strategies based on their proposed mechanisms.
  • To highlight the potential of TAM-targeted approaches in improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on TAM-targeted cancer therapy.
  • Categorization of strategies into four main groups: inhibiting recruitment, suppressing survival, enhancing M1 activity, and blocking M2 activity.
  • Analysis of proposed mechanisms and experimental/clinical evidence for TAM-targeting strategies.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in developing TAM-targeted strategies.
  • Several pilot studies have shown encouraging results in preclinical and clinical settings.
  • Connections between anti-tumour drugs and their influence on TAMs are increasingly recognized.

Conclusions:

  • TAM-targeted strategies represent a promising frontier in cancer therapy.
  • Categorizing strategies aids in understanding their diverse mechanisms of action.
  • Further research and development are crucial to translate TAM-targeting therapies into effective clinical treatments.

More Related Videos

Studying the Effects of Tumor-Secreted Paracrine Ligands on Macrophage Activation using Co-Culture with Permeable Membrane Supports07:44

Studying the Effects of Tumor-Secreted Paracrine Ligands on Macrophage Activation using Co-Culture with Permeable Membrane Supports

Published on: November 28, 2019

Related Concept Videos

The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.