Macrophages: obligate partners for tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis

Cell. 2006 Jan 27;124(2):263-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2006.01.007.

Abstract

Macrophages within the tumor microenvironment facilitate angiogenesis and extracellular-matrix breakdown and remodeling and promote tumor cell motility. Recent studies reveal that direct communication between macrophages and tumor cells leads to invasion and egress of tumor cells into the blood vessels (intravasation). Thus, macrophages are at the center of the invasion microenvironment and are an important drug target for cancer therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Movement*
  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / physiology*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / immunology
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / physiopathology*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / physiopathology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology*