Leveraging macrophages for cancer theranostics

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Macrophages are crucial immune cells in both innate and adaptive immunity.
• These cells exhibit a complex, dual role in cancer development and progression.
• Understanding macrophage functions is key to developing novel cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the multifaceted roles of macrophages in cancer.
• To review current macrophage-based theranostic strategies for cancer treatment.
• To discuss future challenges and opportunities in this field.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of macrophage roles in cancer pathogenesis and invasion.
• Survey of recent advancements in macrophage-based cancer theranostic strategies.
• Emphasis on targeting endogenous tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and engineering adoptive macrophages.

Main Results:

• Macrophages can promote or inhibit cancer development depending on their polarization state and tumor microenvironment.
• Theranostic strategies include modulating TAMs and utilizing engineered adoptive macrophages.
• These approaches aim to reverse immunosuppression and enhance cancer treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Macrophages represent promising targets and tools for cancer theranostics.
• Targeting TAMs and employing engineered macrophages offer potential for improved cancer therapy.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and realize the full potential of macrophage-based cancer theranostics.