Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Neutrophil Isolation and Analysis to Determine their Role in Lymphoma Cell Sensitivity to Therapeutic Agents
Published on: March 25, 2016
The role of neutrophils in cancer
Robert Grecian1, Moira K B Whyte1, Sarah R Walmsley1
1Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.
Introduction:
It has been known for some time that neutrophils are present in the tumour microenvironment, but only recently have their roles been explored.
Sources Of Data:
Comprehensive literature search of neutrophils and cancer (PubMed, Google Scholar and CrossRef) for key articles (systematic reviews, meta-analyses, primary research). References from these articles cross-checked for additional relevant studies.
Areas Of Agreement:
Neutrophils are a heterogeneous population with both pro- and antitumour roles, and display plasticity. Several neutrophil subpopulations have been identified, defined by a combination of features (density, maturity, surface markers, morphology and anatomical site).
Areas Of Controversy:
Limitations in translating murine tumour models to human pathology and paucity of human data. Consensus in defining human neutrophil subpopulations.
Growing Points:
Neutrophils as therapeutic targets and as possible playmakers in the biological response to newer targeted cancer drugs.
Areas Timely For Developing Research:
Understanding the metabolic programming of neutrophils in the tumour microenvironment.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Septins
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...
The Role of Culture
Role-Based Identity
Role of Hippocampus in Memory
Role of ER in the Secretory Pathway
Components of the secretory pathway
About a third of proteins synthesized in the cell are sorted via the secretory route. They shuffle between different compartments in membrane-bound vesicles until they reach their final destination. The main intracellular compartments involved...
Role of Amygdala in Memory
One of the...

