Tumor associated macrophages in breast cancer

Background: Cancer research was focused on the studying of proper tumor cells for a long time. Despite the huge progress, there are still a lot of questions, that’s why new molecular markers must be identified. These could reveal new information about tumorigenesis. Material and methods: 15 cases of ductal invasive breast carcinomas have been analyzed and researched on tumor associated macrophages via immunohistochemistry. CD68 was used as a macrophage marker and CD68⁺ cells were evaluated in tumor nest and peritumoral area, as well as hormone receptors (ER, PR) and HER2 protein. Results: Most of tumors (10 cases out of 15/ 66.7%) were moderately differentiated (G2). The mean and std. error of mean of intratumoral CD68⁺ cells were 2.0±0.2, of peritumoral CD68⁺ cells – 1.4±0.2. Intratumoral CD68⁺ cells registered higher scores than those located in the peritumoral area. Conclusions: CD68⁺ cells are more likely to be present in the tumor nest rather than in the peritumoral area. This research did not establish any significant correlations between intratumoral and peritumoral CD68⁺ cells and patients’ age, tumor grade, expression of ER and PR. The content of peritumoral CD68⁺ cells inversely correlated with the number of HER2⁺ carcinoma cells.