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Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization into an M2-Like Phenotype using a Human Monocyte-Like THP-1 Leukemia Cell Line
06:38

Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization into an M2-Like Phenotype using a Human Monocyte-Like THP-1 Leukemia Cell Line

Published on: August 2, 2021

Macrophage Polarization as a Target for Colorectal Cancer Treatment Optimization: A Systematic Review.

Caden Seraphine1, Anne Macleod1, Tristan Thornsberry1

  • 1Price Institute of Surgical Research, Hiram C. Polk Jr. MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.

Cancers
|July 15, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) drive resistance to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC). Repolarizing TAMs from M2 to M1 may enhance treatment effectiveness for mismatch repair-proficient (MMRp) tumors.

Keywords:
colorectal cancerimmunotherapymacrophage polarizationmicrosatellite instabilitytumor-associated macrophage

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization into an M2-Like Phenotype using a Human Monocyte-Like THP-1 Leukemia Cell Line
06:38

Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization into an M2-Like Phenotype using a Human Monocyte-Like THP-1 Leukemia Cell Line

Published on: August 2, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer mortality, with limited treatment options for mismatch repair-proficient (MMRp)/microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumors.
  • Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is effective for mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) CRC but not for MMRp/MSS tumors.
  • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can be polarized into pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive (M2) states, influencing immunotherapy efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current literature on macrophage polarization in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its impact on immunotherapy outcomes.
  • To identify mechanisms of TAM-mediated resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in CRC.
  • To explore TAM polarization status as a biomarker and to review emerging macrophage-targeted therapies for CRC.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect up to December 2025.
  • Keywords included macrophages, immunotherapy, immune checkpoint expression, colorectal cancer, and microsatellite stability.
  • Sixty-five studies were included following PRISMA guidelines, with prospective registration on PROSPERO.

Main Results:

  • M2-polarized TAMs contribute to ICB resistance via pathways like PI3Kγ/STAT3/mTOR/SIRT-1, immunosuppressive cytokine release (IL-10, TGF-β), and altered immune checkpoint ligand expression.
  • TAM polarization status and specific biomarkers can predict patient response to immunotherapy.
  • Emerging therapies targeting TAMs include CSF1R inhibitors, CD40 agonists, CD47/SIRPα blockade, and STING agonists in ongoing clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • TAM polarization critically influences immunotherapy resistance and patient prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • Targeting TAMs, specifically promoting M2-to-M1 repolarization, offers a promising strategy to enhance ICB efficacy in MMRp/MSS CRC.
  • Further translational research and randomized controlled trials are essential to validate these macrophage-targeted approaches clinically.