Clinical evaluation of macrophages in cancer: role in treatment, modulation and challenges

The focus of immunotherapeutics has been placed firmly on anti-tumour T cell responses. Significant progress has been made in the treatment of both local and systemic malignancies, but low response rates and rising toxicities are limiting this approach. Advancements in the understanding of tumour im...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy Immunotherapy, 2017-12, Vol.66 (12), p.1509-1527
Main Authors: Tremble, Liam Friel, Forde, Patrick F., Soden, Declan M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptive immunity
Cancer
Cancer Research
Humans
Immune response
Immunology
Immunosuppression
Leukocyte migration
Lymphocytes T
Macrophages
Macrophages - immunology
Medical prognosis
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Metastases
Neoplasms - immunology
Oncology
Prognosis
Review
Toxicity
Tumor microenvironment
Tumor Microenvironment - immunology
Tumors
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Summary:The focus of immunotherapeutics has been placed firmly on anti-tumour T cell responses. Significant progress has been made in the treatment of both local and systemic malignancies, but low response rates and rising toxicities are limiting this approach. Advancements in the understanding of tumour immunology are opening up a new range of therapeutic targets, including immunosuppressive factors in the tumour microenvironment. Macrophages are a heterogeneous group of cells that have roles in innate and adaptive immunity and tissue repair, but become co-opted by tumours to support tumour growth, survival, metastasis and immunosuppression. Macrophages also support tumour resistance to conventional therapy. In preclinical models, interference with macrophage migration, macrophage depletion and macrophage re-education have all been shown to reduce tumour growth and support anti-tumour immune responses. Here we discuss the role of macrophages in prognosis and sensitivity to therapy, while examining the significant progress which has been made in modulating the behaviour of these cells in cancer patients.
ISSN:0340-7004
1432-0851
DOI:10.1007/s00262-017-2065-0