Advances in Tumor-associated Macrophages in Cancer Radiotherapy

Abstract

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. As a heterogenous cell population, TAMs usually affect tumor growth, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Currently, TAM has attracted wide attention as a promising therapy target for human cancers. As one of the basic treatments of malignant tumors, radiotherapy can regulate the phenotypes and functions of TAM. Meanwhile, TAM can affect the response of cancer cells to radiation. This paper reviews the research advances of TAM in cancer radiotherapy.

Keywords

• tumor-associated macrophage
• radiotherapy
• tumor microenvironment
• radiation dose