The role of inflammatory cytokines and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) in microenvironment of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is considered as one of the most lethal types of cancer due to its poor prognosis and lack of effective therapeutic approaches. Although many studies have been done on pancreatic cancer, the current treatment methods did not exhibit successful results. Hence, novel strategies are needed for treatment of pancreatic cancer. The microenvironment of pancreatic cancer contains many factors such as inflammatory cytokines and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), which influence the tumor's status. These factors can be upregulated and consequently lead to exacerbation of tumor progression. Understanding the role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the function of TAMs in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment might lead to development and improvement of novel strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer and may result in promising treatments for this type of cancer.