Role of tumor?associated macrophages at the invasive front in human colorectal cancer progression

Macrophages are an essential component of antitumor activity; however, the role tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. Here, we elucidated TAMs CRC progression, especially at early stage. We assessed TAM number, phenotype, and distribution 53 patients with neoplasia, including intramucosal submucosal invasive (SM-CRC), advanced cancer, using double immunofluorescence for CD68 CD163. Next, focused on front SM-CRC association between clinicopathological features lymph node metastasis, which were evaluated 87 clinical specimens. The number M2 increased tumor progression dynamic changes observed respect to phenotype front, stage invasion. A high macrophage count was correlated lymphovascular invasion, low histological differentiation, metastasis; a M1 metastasis. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that M2/M1 ratio better predictor risk metastasis than pan-, M1, or counts front. These results suggested might play stages. Therefore, evaluating may be potential therapeutic target.