CSF-1R inhibition alters macrophage polarization and blocks glioma progression

The authors provide preclinical testing of a CSFR-1 inhibitor in proneural glioma models. The compound targets macrophages in the tumor microenvironment rather than tumor cells themselves and is shown to portend considerable antitumor effects. Its activity relies on re-education of tumor-associated macrophages without affecting their survival, reverting their tumor-promoting phenotype. Moreover, gene signatures capturing the tumorigenic features of macrophages can predict survival in human patients with glioma, underscoring the potential relevance of this strategy as a glioma therapy.