Tumor-associated macrophages in the prospect of development of targeted anticancer

The tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) form about 80% of the total stromal leucocytes’ population in solid tumors. TAM multidirectional influence on tumor growth is the consequence of phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of this cell population. The exceptional role of TAM in tumor progression makes them an attractive model for development of the methods of directed antitumor therapy. In this review, the main groups of the antitumor therapy methods, which include the use of TAM, which are directed towards the suppression of tumor angiogenesis, and which are also directed to reactivation of antitumor action of mononuclear phagocytes, are analyzed.