Macrophages and neoplasms: new insights and their implication in tumor immunobiology.

In this review, I have attempted to draw together some recent findings of current importance in tumor-macrophage interactions. The widespread distribution of macrophages through the body, the ease of monocyte mobilization to inflammatory sites, the exquisite synthetic machinery of the macrophage and its potent antitumor activity, when this can be evoked by nonspecific means, imply a critical role for cells of this lineage in regulation and control of the neoplastic state. These new insights into the immunobiology of the macrophage revive our hopes both for a keener understanding of the complexity existing between the host and its neoplasm and for the development of successful therapies based on scientifically proven rationales.