The presence of tumor associated macrophages in tumor stroma as a prognostic marker for breast cancer patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are alternatively activated macrophages that enhance tumor progression by promoting tumor cell invasion, migration and angiogenesis. TAMs have an anti-inflammatory function resembling M2 macrophages. CD163 is regarded as a highly specific monocyte/macrophage marker for M2 macrophages. In this study we evaluated the specificity of using the M2 macrophage marker CD163 as a TAM marker and compared its prognostic value with the more frequently used pan-macrophage marker CD68. We also analyzed the prognostic value of the localization of CD163(+) and CD68(+) myeloid cells in human breast cancer.

Methods

The extent of infiltrating CD163(+) or CD68(+) myeloid cells in tumor nest versus tumor stroma was evaluated by immunohistochemistry

SUBMITTER: Medrek C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3414782 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature