Tumor Associated Macrophages as Therapeutic Targets for Breast Cancer

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2017:1026:331-370. doi: 10.1007/978-981-10-6020-5_16.

Abstract

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant inflammatory infiltrates in the tumor stroma. TAMs promote tumor growth by suppressing immunocompetent cells, including neovascularization and supporting cancer stem cells. In the chapter, we discuss recent efforts in reprogramming or inhibiting tumor-protecting properties of TAMs, and developing potential strategies to increase the efficacy of breast cancer treatment.

Keywords: Breast Cancer; Immunosuppression; Metastasis; Polarization; Resistance; Therapeutic target; Tumor-associated Macrophages.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / immunology
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Cellular Reprogramming / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / immunology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / immunology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / therapy*
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology