Tumor-associated macrophages in thoracic malignancies

L A Lievense; K Bezemer; J G J V Aerts; J P J J Hegmans

doi:10.1016/j.lungcan.2013.02.017

Tumor-associated macrophages in thoracic malignancies

Lung Cancer. 2013 Jun;80(3):256-62. doi: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2013.02.017. Epub 2013 Mar 13.

Authors

L A Lievense¹, K Bezemer, J G J V Aerts, J P J J Hegmans

Affiliation

¹ Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. l.lievense@erasmusmc.nl

PMID: 23489559
DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2013.02.017

Abstract

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can be abundantly present in numerous cancer types. Under influence of various stimuli in the tumor microenvironment TAMs develop into a tumor-inhibitory (M1) or tumor-promoting (M2) phenotype. Recently, the role of TAMs in tumor biology and their prognostic value in cancer has become a major topic of interest. In this review we will discuss the importance of TAMs in the pathogenesis and clinical outcome of lung cancer and mesothelioma patients. In addition, the potential of TAMs as therapeutic targets will be discussed.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Carcinogenesis / immunology
Humans
Immunotherapy*
Lung Neoplasms / immunology
Lung Neoplasms / pathology
Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
Macrophages / immunology*
Macrophages / pathology
Mesothelioma / immunology
Mesothelioma / pathology
Mesothelioma / therapy*
Prognosis
Tumor Microenvironment / immunology