Tumor-associated macrophages press the angiogenic switch in breast cancer

Cancer Res. 2007 Jun 1;67(11):5064-6. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-07-0912.

Abstract

The development of a supportive vasculature is essential for tumor progression. In a mouse model of breast cancer, we found that tumor-associated macrophages that are recruited to the tumor just before malignant conversion are essential for the angiogenic switch. These findings establish a causal linkage to explain well-documented clinical correlations between macrophages, microvessel density, and poor prognosis in breast tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / immunology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / pathology*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / blood supply*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / immunology
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / immunology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology