Study reveals neutrophils' dynamic role in cancer progression

Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in the human body, primarily recognized for their essential roles in fighting infections and regulating inflammation. However, their involvement in cancer progression has long been a subject of intrigue and confusion. These immune cells exhibit a paradoxical behavior within tumors, where they can either promote or inhibit cancer growth. This dual functionality suggests that neutrophils are highly plastic, with their actions shaped by dynamic environmental cues within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding this complexity is crucial for unraveling the full scope of their impact on cancer development and progression.

A team of researchers from the Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation at the Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, have published a review (DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0192) in Cancer Biology & Medicine. The paper delves into the nuanced roles neutrophils play within the TME, offering a detailed exploration of their heterogeneity and plasticity. The study presents a comprehensive synthesis of current research and identifies new therapeutic opportunities for targeting neutrophils in cancer treatment.

This review challenges the conventional view of neutrophils as mere short-lived effectors, focusing instead on their diversity and adaptability within the TME. The study traces the journey of neutrophils from their origins in the bone marrow to their specialized roles within tumors. Researchers emphasize how the local cytokine and chemokine landscape influences the recruitment and functional orientation of neutrophil subsets. Notably, the review highlights how these subsets, with distinct gene signatures and temporal functions, can influence tumor behavior and patient outcomes. Subsets involved in antigen presentation and angiogenesis were identified as key players, linked to specific tumor types and clinical prognoses. This wealth of information provides a foundation for developing targeted immunotherapies that harness the unique dynamics of neutrophils.

Our findings challenge the conventional view of neutrophils as transient, effector cells. Instead, we reveal their remarkable heterogeneity and dynamic role in the TME. These insights are critical for designing more effective cancer therapies that leverage the full potential of the immune system."

Dr. Qiang Gao, corresponding author of the study

The implications of this research are profound, offering new avenues for the development of prognostic models and targeted cancer therapies. By focusing on the plasticity of neutrophils and combining therapies that modulate their behavior, the study paves the way for more personalized and effective treatments. This new approach has the potential to enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer, opening doors to more advanced and tailored therapeutic strategies.