The interplay between tumor-associated macrophages and cancer progression

Abstract

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a significant component of the tumor microenvironment and play a crucial role in cancer progression. TAMs exhibit remarkable plasticity, influenced by various signals from the tumor microenvironment, and can adopt different functional states that either promote or inhibit tumor growth. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms by which TAMs contribute to cancer progression, including their roles in promoting angiogenesis, facilitating immune evasion, enhancing metastasis, and influencing therapeutic resistance. Additionally, we explore the potential of targeting TAMs as a therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment, discussing the challenges and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.