Tumor-associated Macrophages: Cytokine Regulation and Therapeutic Implications

Macrophages are a major component of the lymphoreticular infiltrate of tumors. Tumor-derived cytokines play an important role in the regulation of the recruitment and function of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). TAM have pleiotropic functions that influence various aspects of the immunobiology of neoplastic tissues including vascularization, stroma formation and dissolution, and growth rate. These cells, strategically located at the interface between tumor and host, have the potential to destroy neoplastic tissues and hence are a target for therapeutic intervention. Recent clinical results in ovarian cancer encourage efforts along this line.