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Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment: A Close Up of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Neutrophils
Massimo Russo1, Claudia Nastasi2
1Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
The importance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in dynamically regulating cancer progression and influencing the therapeutic outcome is widely accepted and appreciated. Several therapeutic strategies to modify or modulate the TME, like angiogenesis or immune checkpoint inhibitors, showed clinical efficacy and received approval from regulatory authorities. Within recent decades, new promising strategies targeting myeloid cells have been implemented in preclinical cancer models. The predominance of specific cell phenotypes in the TME has been attributed to pro- or anti-tumoral. Hence, their modulation can, in turn, alter the responses to standard-of-care treatments, making them more or less effective. Here, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge and the correlated challenges about the tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils targeting strategies, current treatments, and future developments.
Insights
Targeting myeloid cells like tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can alter cancer progression and treatment response. Current strategies show promise for future cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) critically influences cancer progression and treatment efficacy.
- Existing therapies targeting angiogenesis and immune checkpoints have shown clinical success.
- Myeloid cells within the TME play a significant role in tumor dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and neutrophils (TANs).
- To discuss the challenges and future directions in myeloid cell-targeted cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of the role of TAMs and TANs in cancer.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting myeloid cells.
Main Results:
- Specific myeloid cell phenotypes in the TME can be either pro- or anti-tumoral.
- Modulating these myeloid cells can impact the effectiveness of standard treatments.
- Targeting TAMs and TANs represents a promising therapeutic avenue.
Conclusions:
- Strategies targeting myeloid cells are emerging as important in cancer therapy.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges and optimize these treatments.
- Future developments hold potential for improving patient outcomes by modulating the TME.
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