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Revisiting macrophages in ovarian cancer microenvironment: development, function and interaction
Amr Ahmed El-Arabey1, Samia S Alkhalil2, Samia T Al-Shouli3
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11751, Egypt. amrel_arabey@azhar.edu.eg.
Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|April 11, 2023
Summary
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote ovarian cancer (OC) progression and chemoresistance by releasing factors that enhance invasion and metastasis. Targeting TAMs could improve patient survival in OC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key players in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
- High TAM levels correlate with poor prognosis and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer (OC).
- TAMs contribute to OC progression, invasion, and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development, functions, and interactions of TAMs in the OC TME.
- To highlight challenges and future directions in targeting TAMs for OC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TAMs in ovarian cancer.
- Analysis of TAM interactions with cancer cells and other TME components.
Main Results:
- TAMs promote OC invasion and chemoresistance via secreted factors and signaling pathways.
- TAMs facilitate OC metastasis in the peritoneum and ascites.
- TAMs interact with TP53, exosomes, stem cells, and CAFs to support OC progression.
Conclusions:
- TAMs are critical drivers of ovarian cancer progression and metastasis.
- Understanding TAM biology and interactions is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies against OC.
