[Morphology of stromal macrophages in breast cancer]

Electron microscopic study of the stroma of mammary gland carcinoma of 12 patients before and after treatment by regional intraarterial chemotherapy allowed 4 types of macrophages to be distinguished. Macrophages of 3 types (2nd, 3rd, 4th) in the state of activation take part in elimination of the tumor cells. The mechanisms of macrophage-tumor cell interactions vary: macrophages of the 2nd and 3rd type lyse tumor cells by contact, while those of the 4th type by phagocytosis and cleavage of tumor cells by processes.