Affiliation:
1. Department of General Surgery Peking Union Medical College Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing People's Republic of China
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumour, with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. The occurrence and development of GC is a complex process involving genetic changes in tumour cells and the influence of the surrounding tumour microenvironment (TME). Accumulative evidence shows that tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) play a vital role in GC, acting as plentiful and active infiltrating inflammatory cells in the TME.Main bodyIn this review, the different functions and mechanisms of TAMs in GC progression, including the conversion of phenotypic subtypes; promotion of tumour proliferation, invasion and migration; induction of chemoresistance; promotion of angiogenesis; modulation of immunosuppression; reprogramming of metabolism; and interaction with the microbial community are summarised. Although the role of TAMs in GC remains controversial in clinical settings, clarifying their significance in the treatment selection and prognostic prediction of GC could support optimising TAM‐centred clinicaltherapy.ConclusionIn summary, we reviewed the the phenotypic polarisation, function and molecular mechanism of TAMs and their potential applications in the treatment selection and prognostic prediction of GC.
Funder
Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
Wu Jieping Medical Foundation
Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality
Subject
Molecular Medicine,Medicine (miscellaneous)