Macrophages target tumour cells following monoclonal antibody therapy

Monoclonal antibodies directed against tumour antigens have proven effective for treating some forms of cancer. Despite the increasing use of monoclonal antibody therapy, it is not clear how these antibodies drive tumour removal.

In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Marjolein van Egmond and colleagues at the VU University Medical Center found that macrophage populations mediate tumour cell removal following monoclonal antibody treatment by actively phagocytosing tumour cells. Macrophage-dependent tumour cell removal required both the high affinity and low affinity Fc receptors.

This study suggests that monoclonal antibody therapies that are optimized to enhance macrophage recruitment and activity may enhance removal of circulating tumour cells in cancer patients.

TITLE: Macrophages eliminate circulating tumor cells after monoclonal antibody therapy

AUTHOR CONTACT: Marjolein van Egmond
E-mail: m.vanegmond@vumc.nl

View this article at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/66776?key=5bbe1c588bfc574caed3