Cancer related inflammation: The macrophage connection

Antonio Sica, Paola Allavena, Alberto Mantovani

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are key regulators of the link between inflammation and cancer. In the tumor microenvironment neoplastic cells shape the differentiation and functional orientation of TAM which, in turn, express several protumoral functions, including secretion of growth factors and matrix-proteases, promotion of angiogenesis and suppression of adaptive immunity. This review analyzes our current knowledge of TAM and their involvement in tumor development and progression. The interplay between TAM and neoplastic cells represents a promising target of future therapeutic approaches.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)204-215
Number of pages12
JournalCancer Letters
Volume267
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Aug 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Angiogenesis
  • Cancer
  • Chemokines
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation
  • Macrophage polarization
  • Therapeutic targets
  • Tumor promotion
  • Tumor-associated macrophages

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