Role of tumor-associated immune cells in prostate cancer: angel or devil?

Asian J Androl. 2019 Sep-Oct;21(5):433-437. doi: 10.4103/aja.aja_47_19.

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in the reproductive system of older males. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an important treatment for prostate cancer patients. However, almost all prostate cancer patients unavoidably progress to the castration-resistant stage after ADT treatment. Recent studies have shown that tumor-associated immune cells play major roles in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of prostate cancer. Various phenotypes of tumor-associated immune cells have tumor-promoting or antitumor functions mediated by interacting with tumor cells. Here, we review the current knowledge of tumor-associated immune cells in prostate cancer.

Keywords: immune tolerance; prostate cancer; tumor associated immune cells; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / immunology
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / pathology*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Male
  • Neutrophils / immunology
  • Neutrophils / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / immunology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / therapy