The metastatic cascade: macrophages lead the way

In breast cancer, the survival rate of women with metastatic disease has not changed for 30 years, indicating the need for different treatment strategies. While research has largely focused on tumour cells, it has become apparent that, in tumour progression to malignancy, progressive modification of the stromal microenvironment is as important as the changes in the tumour cells themselves. The aim of Professor Pollard’s research is to define the molecular basis of how macrophages promote tumour progression to malignancy. Specifically, he will investigate how macrophages stimulate angiogenesis, promotion of tumour cell invasion and intravasation, suppression of anti-tumour immune responses, and promotion of extravasation at metastatic sites and their subsequent tumour cell establishment and persistent growth. It is hoped that this research will identify new pathways and targets for therapeutic intervention in human breast cancers.