Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
Published on: August 1, 2019
Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Inflammatory Microenvironment in Gastric Cancer: Novel Translational Implications
Karim Rihawi1, Angela Dalia Ricci1, Alessandro Rizzo1
1Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
Gastric cancer (GC) represents the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, with a poor prognosis in patients with advanced disease despite many improvements in systemic treatments in the last decade. In fact, GC has shown resistance to several treatment options, and thus, notable efforts have been focused on the research and identification of novel therapeutic targets in this setting. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in several malignancies including GC, due to its pivotal role in cancer progression and drug resistance. Therefore, several agents and therapeutic strategies targeting the TME are currently under assessment in both preclinical and clinical studies. The present study provides an overview of available evidence of the inflammatory TME in GC, highlighting different types of tumor-associated cells and implications for future therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer death. Targeting the tumor microenvironment, including inflammatory cells, shows promise for overcoming treatment resistance and improving outcomes in gastric cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Gastric cancer (GC) is a globally prevalent malignancy with a poor prognosis, particularly in advanced stages.
- Despite treatment advances, GC exhibits significant resistance to various therapeutic modalities.
- Identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME) in gastric cancer.
- To highlight the role of tumor-associated cells within the GC TME.
- To discuss the implications of the inflammatory TME for future therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing evidence on the inflammatory TME in GC.
- Analysis of tumor-associated cells and their functions within the GC microenvironment.
- Synthesis of findings to inform future therapeutic development.
Main Results:
- The TME plays a critical role in GC progression and resistance to therapy.
- Various inflammatory cells within the TME influence cancer development and treatment response.
- Understanding these cellular interactions is key to developing effective therapies.
Conclusions:
- The inflammatory TME is a significant factor in gastric cancer pathogenesis and drug resistance.
- Targeting specific components of the inflammatory TME presents a promising avenue for novel GC therapies.
- Further research into TME-targeted strategies is warranted to improve clinical outcomes.
