The role of tumor-associated macrophages in the progression, prognosis and treatment of endometrial cancer

Abstract

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the main immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of endometrial cancer (EC). TAMs recruitment and polarization in EC is regulated by the TME of EC, culminating in a predominantly M2-like macrophage infiltration. TAMs promote lymphatic angiogenesis through cytokine secretion, aid immune escape of EC cells by synergizing with other immune cells, and contribute to the development of EC through secretion of exosomes so as to promoting EC development. EC is a hormone- and metabolism-dependent cancer, and TAMs promote EC through interactions on estrogen receptor (ER) and metabolic factors such as the metabolism of glucose, lipids, and amino acids. In addition, we have explored the predictive significance of some TAM-related indicators for EC prognosis, and TAMs show remarkable promise as a target for EC immunotherapy.

Lactate-Induced CCL8 in Tumor-Associated Macrophages Accelerates the Progression of Colorectal Cancer through the CCL8/CCR5/mTORC1 Axis

“…In contrast, M2-TAMs impair inflammation, evade tumor immune surveillance, and stimulate tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis [22]. Increased abundance of TAMs is associated with a poor survival rate in most cancers, such as pancreatic cancer [23], bladder cancer [24], and endometrial cancer [25]. The role of TAMs is ambiguous in CRC; on the one hand, TAMs predict a better prognosis, especially in stage III CRC patients who respond to 5-fluorouracil adjuvant therapy [26], and on the other hand, TAMs promote the migration and invasion of CRC [27].…”