POSTER PRESENTATION Open Access Modifying tumor associated macrophage function

In human breast cancers, tumor infiltration by tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) correlates with multiple markers of poor prognosis: higher tumor macrophage counts are associated with higher tumor grade, higher tumor vascular density, and reduced overall survival [1]. TAMs secrete biologically active molecules that promote tumor growth and metastasis[1]. Additionally, unique subpopulations of TAMs contribute to the immunosup-pressive microenvironment that significantly enhances tumor genesis by limiting vital anti-tumor immune responses [2], however the mechanisms that regulate TAM development and their actions within the tumor microenvironment remain poorly understood. Pre-clini-cal studies demonstrate that macrophage ablation retards tumor progression[3], suggesting that TAM