Tumor-associated macrophages and anti-tumor therapies: complex links.

Abstract

Myeloid cells infiltrating the tumor microenvironment, especially tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are essential providers of cancer-related inflammation, a condition known to accelerate tumor progression and limit the response to anti-tumor therapies. As a matter of fact, TAMs may have a dual role while interfering with cancer treatments, as they can either promote or impair their functionality. Here we review the connection between macrophages and anticancer therapies; moreover, we provide an overview of the different strategies to target or re-program TAMs for therapeutic purposes.

• Authors: Cristina Belgiovine, Maurizio D'Incalci, Paola Allavena, Roberta Frapolli
• Journal: Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS (Cell Mol Life Sci) Vol. 73 Issue 13 Pg. 2411-24 (Jul 2016) ISSN: 1420-9071 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 26956893 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Animals
• Cellular Reprogramming Techniques (methods)
• Humans
• Immunotherapy (methods)
• Inflammation (complications, immunology, pathology, therapy)
• Macrophages (immunology, pathology)
• Neoplasms (complications, immunology, pathology, therapy)
• Neovascularization, Pathologic (complications, immunology, pathology, therapy)
• Tumor Microenvironment