Phenotyping of tumor-associated macrophages in colorectal cancer: Impact on single cell invasion (tumor budding) and clinicopathological outcome.

ABSTRACT: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play a controversial role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). In particular, the microlocalization, polarization and prognostic impact of TAM in the immediate environment of invading CRC cells has not yet been established. To address this clinically relevant question, intraepithelial (iCD68) and stromal macrophages (sCD68), M1-macrophages (iNOS), M2-macrophages (CD163), cytokeratin-positive cancer cells (tumor buds) and expression of the anti-phagocytic marker CD47 were investigated in primary tumors of 205 well-characterized CRC patients. Cell-to-cell contacts between tumor buds and TAM were detected using high-resolution digital scans. The composition of the tumor microenvironment was analyzed with clinic

SUBMITTER: Koelzer VH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4839334 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature