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Updated: Oct 8, 2025
In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
Published on: August 1, 2019
Tumor-associated macrophages in lung carcinoma: From mechanism to therapy
Xueying Wang1, Yining Wu1, Jiahui Gu1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
Abstract:
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which could be classified into the classical (M1-like) and alternatively activated (M2-like) phenotype, were considered to be important tumor-promoting components in lung cancer microenvironment. Several studies reported that TAMs in lung tumor islet or stroma are usually correlated with poor prognosis. Further studies showed that TAMs could promote the initiation of tumor cells, inhibit antitumor immune responses, and stimulate tumor angiogenesis and subsequently tumor metastasis of lung carcinoma. Currently, TAMs have been considered as penitential targets of lung cancer. This review summarizes from the fundamental information of TAMs to the its role in metastasis and present evidence for TAMs as a potential target of cancer therapy.
Insights
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote lung cancer progression and metastasis. Targeting these macrophages presents a promising therapeutic strategy for lung cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the lung cancer microenvironment.
- TAMs can be classified into M1-like and M2-like phenotypes, with M2-like TAMs often associated with tumor promotion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental characteristics of TAMs.
- To elucidate the role of TAMs in lung cancer metastasis.
- To present evidence supporting TAMs as potential therapeutic targets in lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on TAMs in lung cancer.
- Analysis of TAM phenotypes (M1/M2) and their correlation with prognosis.
- Examination of TAM functions in tumor initiation, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
Main Results:
- TAMs are frequently associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients.
- TAMs contribute to tumor cell proliferation, immune suppression, and angiogenesis.
- TAMs play a significant role in promoting lung carcinoma metastasis.
Conclusions:
- TAMs are critical drivers of lung cancer progression and metastasis.
- Targeting TAMs offers a potential novel therapeutic avenue for lung cancer treatment.
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