Tumor-associated macrophages press the angiogenic switch in breast cancer.

Lin, Elaine Y; Pollard, Jeffrey W · Cancer Res · 2007

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The development of a supportive vasculature is essential for tumor progression. In a mouse model of breast cancer, we found that tumor-associated macrophages that are recruited to the tumor just before malignant conversion are essential for the angiogenic switch. These findings establish a causal linkage to explain well-documented clinical correlations between macrophages, microvessel density, and poor prognosis in breast tumors.

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