The role of tumor-associated macrophages in breast cancer

Abstract

Interaction of Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) with tumor cells gives insights into tumor progression and
into a novel therapeutic strategy. In papillary thyroid cancer, patients with tumors containing TAMs had a better
prognosis than patients without TAMs . In prostatic cancer, the reduced of total TAMs can be used as a novel
prognostic marker. In melanoma maligna, high number of TAMs was statistically significant associated with poor
response to treatment . In breast cancer progression, the role of TAMs is still unclear.
Key words: tumor-associated macrophages - breast cancer – angiogenesis - tumor progression - prognosis