Shenghao Li,1,2,* Liyuan Hao,1,2,* Xiaoyu Hu2 

1School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Xiaoyu Hu, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China, Email xiaoyuhu202206@163.com

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) commonly metastasizes to the liver, and this poses a significant clinical challenge. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), key players within the TME, play a significant role in promoting CRC metastasis by secreting various chemokines, growth factors, and cytokines. This review not only aims to enhance our knowledge of TAMs’ functions in CRC progression and metastasis but also examines innovative therapeutic strategies to address the clinical problem of colorectal liver metastasis (CLM). By targeting TAMs, we may be able to develop more effective treatments and offer hope to patients suffering from this devastating disease.

Keywords: colorectal liver metastasis, macrophage, TAMs