TY - JOUR AU - Yang, Li AU - Zhang, Yi PY - 2017 DA - 2017/08/08 TI - Tumor-associated macrophages, potential targets for cancer treatment JO - Biomarker Research SP - 25 VL - 5 IS - 1 AB - The fact that various immune cells, including macrophages, can be found in tumor tissues has long been known. With the introduction of concept that macrophages differentiate into a classically or alternatively activated phenotype, the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is now beginning to be elucidated. TAMs act as “protumoral macrophages”, contributing to disease progression. As the relationship between TAMs and malignant tumors becomes clearer, TAMs are beginning to be seen as potential therapeutic targets in these cases. In this review, we will discuss how TAMs can be used as therapeutic targets of cancer in clinics. SN - 2050-7771 UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s40364-017-0106-7 DO - 10.1186/s40364-017-0106-7 ID - Yang2017 ER -