Targeting neutrophils: Mechanism and advances in cancer therapy

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a thorny problem which cannot be conquered by mankind at present and recent researchers have put their focus on tumor microenviroment. Neutrophils, the prominent leukocytes in peripheral blood that accumulate in tumours, serves as frontline cells in response to tumour progression owing to the rapid development of micro biotechnology. Hence, targeted therapy with these neutrophils has made targeting treatment a promising field in cancer therapy.

Main body: We broadly summarise some studies on the phenotypes and functions of tumour-associated neutrophils as well as the unique web-like products of neutrophils that play a role in cancer progression—neutrophil extracellular traps—and the interactions between neutrophils and the tumour microenvironment. Moreover, several targeted neutrophils therapeutic studies have made some progress and provided potential strategies for the treatment of cancer.

Conclusion: This review aims to offer a holistic perspective on therapeutic interventions targeting neutrophils to further inspire more researches on cancer therapies.

Keywords

NETs / neutrophils / targeting therapy / tumour microenvironment

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