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Updated: May 25, 2025
Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo
Published on: July 20, 2019
Tumor‑associated neutrophils: Critical regulators in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance (Review)
Rui Hou1, Xi Wu1, Cenzhu Wang1
1Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Nanjing 214023, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Cancer is the second leading cause of death among humans worldwide. Despite remarkable improvements in cancer therapies, drug resistance remains a significant challenge. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is intimately associated with therapeutic resistance. Tumor‑associated neutrophils (TANs) are a crucial component of the TME, which, along with other immune cells, play a role in tumorigenesis, development and metastasis. In the current review, the roles of TANs in the TME, as well as the mechanisms of neutrophil‑mediated resistance to cancer therapy, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy, were summarized. Furthermore, strategies for neutrophil therapy were discussed and TANs were explored as potential targets for cancer treatment. In conclusion, the need to explore the precise roles, recruitment pathways and mechanisms of action of TANs was highlighted for the purpose of developing therapies that precisely target TANs and reverse drug resistance.
Insights
Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) significantly contribute to cancer drug resistance within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Targeting TANs offers a promising strategy to overcome resistance and improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Cancer is a leading global cause of death, with drug resistance posing a major therapeutic challenge.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences treatment efficacy and resistance.
- Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) are key immune cells within the TME, impacting cancer progression and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of TANs in the TME.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which TANs mediate resistance to various cancer therapies.
- To explore TANs as potential therapeutic targets for overcoming drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on TANs and cancer therapy resistance.
- Analysis of TANs' involvement in tumorigenesis, development, and metastasis.
- Examination of neutrophil-mediated resistance across immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Main Results:
- TANs play a critical role in promoting cancer growth and metastasis.
- Neutrophils contribute to resistance against diverse cancer treatments.
- Understanding TANs' functions is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- TANs are pivotal in the TME and are implicated in therapeutic resistance.
- Targeting TANs presents a viable approach to reversing drug resistance.
- Further research into TANs' precise roles and mechanisms is essential for novel cancer therapies.
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