Macrophages as key players in the oncogenic shift of OSMF

Macrophages plays a crucial role in wound healing, providing aid for tissue growth and angiogenesis. Tumor- associated macrophages (TAMs), derived from the peripheral blood monocytes exhibit tumoricidal activity toward one fraction of the cancer cells. Clinically, the TAM level has been correlated with poor prognosis in several human cancers. Since oral squamous cell carcinoma shows an association between macrophages and a worse prognosis, macrophages could also be involved in the evolution of OSMF into oral squamous cell carcinoma.