Tumor-associated macrophage-targeted therapeutics in ovarian cancer

Int J Cancer. 2021 Jul 1;149(1):21-30. doi: 10.1002/ijc.33408. Epub 2020 Dec 4.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in regulating the progression of ovarian cancer. Macrophages, which are important immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, participate in the regulation of various biological behaviors and influence the prognosis of ovarian cancer. A large number of studies have targeted macrophages for the treatment of ovarian cancer. In addition, macrophages also play a regulatory role by interacting with other immune cells, including T cells and mesothelial cells, in the ovarian cancer microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the progress made in macrophage-targeted therapy for ovarian cancer. Although there are still several challenges in using this treatment, targeted macrophage therapy is still a promising treatment for ovarian cancer.

Keywords: macrophage; ovarian cancer; targeted therapy; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Tumor Microenvironment / drug effects*
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology
  • Tumor-Associated Macrophages / drug effects*
  • Tumor-Associated Macrophages / immunology