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Published on: November 28, 2019
Impact of tumour associated macrophages in pancreatic cancer
Ainhoa Mielgo1, Michael C Schmid
1Liverpool Cancer Research UK Centre, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK.
Abstract:
During cancer progression, bone marrow derived myeloid cells, including immature myeloid cells and macrophages, progressively accumulate at the primary tumour site where they contribute to the establishment of a tumour promoting microenvironment. A marked infiltration of macrophages into the stromal compartment and the generation of a desmoplastic stromal reaction is a particular characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) and is thought to play a key role in disease progression and its response to therapy. Tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) foster PDA tumour progression by promoting angiogenesis, metastasis, and by suppressing an anti-tumourigenic immune response. Recent work also suggests that TAMs contribute to resistance to chemotherapy and to the emergence of cancer stem-like cells. Here we will review the current understanding of the biology and the pro-tumourigenic functions of TAMs in cancer and specifically in PDA, and highlight potential therapeutic strategies to target TAMs and to improve current therapies for pancreatic cancer.
Insights
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote pancreatic cancer progression by fostering angiogenesis and immune suppression. Targeting TAMs offers a promising therapeutic strategy to improve pancreatic cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Myeloid cells, including macrophages, accumulate in tumors, creating a pro-tumor microenvironment.
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by significant macrophage infiltration and desmoplastic stromal reactions, impacting disease progression and therapy response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biology and pro-tumorigenic functions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in cancer, with a specific focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA).
- To highlight potential therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs to enhance current pancreatic cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current understanding of TAM biology and function in cancer.
- Focus on TAM roles in PDA, including angiogenesis, metastasis, immune suppression, chemotherapy resistance, and cancer stem cell emergence.
Main Results:
- TAMs significantly contribute to PDA progression by promoting angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion.
- TAMs are implicated in resistance to chemotherapy and the development of cancer stem-like cells in PDA.
Conclusions:
- Understanding TAM biology is crucial for developing effective pancreatic cancer treatments.
- Targeting TAMs represents a promising therapeutic avenue to overcome treatment resistance and improve patient outcomes in pancreatic cancer.
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