Tumor-associated macrophage, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis markers predict prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical player in tumor progression, metastasis and therapy outcomes. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a well-recognized core element of the TME and generally characterized as M2-like macrophages. TAMs are believed to contribute to tumor progression, but the mechanism behind this remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the clinical, angiogenic, and lymphangiogenic significance of TAMs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS:Utilizing combined immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis, we assessed CD68, CD163, VEGF-A, and VEGF-C expression in 349 patients with NSCLC. Subsequently, the potential association between M2 TAMs and angiogenic VEGF-A and/or lymphangiogenic VEGF-C was evaluated for its prognostic value. Furthermore, the effects of M2 TAMs on angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were explored via an in vitro co-culture system. RESULTS:CD68 and CD163 expression were found to directly correlate with VEGF-A and/or VEGF-C expression (all p?

SUBMITTER: Hwang I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7686699 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature