Tumour‑associated macrophages (TAMs) are immune cells that are present in large numbers in the tumour immune microenvironment. TAMs are important for the occurrence, development, invasion, metastasis and immune escape of tumours. TAMs have become a novel therapeutic target and prognostic indicator in the individualised treatment of patients. Studies have reported that the number of TAMs can predict the size, stage and metastasis of gastric cancer. Therefore, in‑depth examination of TAMs may be important for high‑risk screening, early diagnosis and prognostic judgment of patients with gastric cancer. The present review examined the research progress of TAMs in gastric cancer on the basis of previous literature studies. Moreover, this review systematically evaluated the three major aspects of the differentiation of macrophages, the tumour‑promoting mechanism of TAMs in gastric cancer and the relationship between TAMs and treatment of gastric cancer. Finally, this review aimed to provide a reference for investigating the prognostic indicators and treatment targets of patients with gastric cancer.
Keywords: tumour‑associated macrophages; gastric cancer; CD68; CD163; M1; M2.