Macrophages in Colorectal Cancer: from Normal Mucosa to Distant Metastasis: Beyond the M1/M2 Paradigm.

ABSTRACT: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and leading cause of mortality worldwide. Tumor microenvironment (TME) strongly influences CRC growth, immune evasion, and metastasis. Among various immune cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) act as key regulators of cancer progression. Although traditionally classified as M1 (pro-inflammatory, anti-tumor) or M2 (anti-inflammatory, pro-tumor), single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have revealed that macrophage phenotypes exist along a continuum, challenging the classic dichotomy. This review investigates macrophages throughout CRC development, from normal mucosa to adenoma, primary tumor, and liver metastasis. Early adenomas feature M1-like macrophages that drive local inflammation, whereas advanced adenoma

SUBMITTER: Pavlov S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12719567 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature