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Contemporary Oncology
eISSN: 1897-4309
ISSN: 1428-2526
Contemporary Oncology/Współczesna Onkologia
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Sarajevo Declaration on Integrity and Visibility of Scholarly Publications
2/2025
vol. 29
 
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abstract:
Review paper

The role of tumor-associated macrophages and PD-1/PD-L1 networking in colorectal cancer

Melina Yerolatsite
1
,
Nanteznta Torounidou
1
,
Anna-Lea Amylidi
1
,
George Zarkavelis
1, 2
,
Loizos Hadjigeorgiou
3
,
Evangeli Lampri
4
,
Christina Bali
5
,
Vaia Georvasili
5
,
Eleftherios Kampletsas
1, 2
,
Davide Mauri
1

  1. Department of Medical Oncology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
  2. Society for Study of Clonal Heterogeneity of Neoplasia (EMEKEN), Ioannina, Greece
  3. Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Agios Nicolaos, Crete, Greece
  4. Department of Pathology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
  5. Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2025; 29 (2): 123–130
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/wo.2025.150448
Online publish date: 2025/05/09
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Despite improvements in cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and therapeutic options, metastatic CRC (mCRC) remains a major challenge, with a significantly lower 5-year survival rate compared to localized CRC. The heterogeneity of CRC, both localized and metastatic, necessitates a thorough molecular characterization to guide treatment strategies. A significant aspect of CRC progression involves the tumor microenvironment, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which are abundant and exhibit high plasticity. Tumor-associated macrophages, especially those polarized into the M2 phenotype, support various aspects of tumor progression, including angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. The PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint axis, overexpres­sed in M2 TAMs, contributes to immune suppression, facilitating tumor growth. While some studies suggest that TAMs may have a positive role in CRC prognosis, others associate TAM infiltration with poor outcomes, particularly in metastatic disease. The relationship between TAMs and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in CRC is still not fully understood, though emerging data highlight their potential to shape the immune resistance environment. Further research is needed to clarify the role of TAMs and the PD-1/PD-L1 network in CRC progression and to develop more effective immunotherapies targeting these pathways. This review systematically explores the current literature on TAMs and their interaction with the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in CRC, emphasizing the need for continued investigation to improve patient outcomes.
keywords:

colorectal cancer, tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages, PD-1/PD-L1 network
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