Neutrophils, G-CSF and their contribution to breast cancer metastasis

Abstract

Evidence is mounting for a role for neutrophils in breast cancer progression to metastasis. However, the role of G-CSF in neutrophil biology in a cancer setting remains to be defined. Herein we discuss the most recent clinical and experimental evidence for neutrophils and G-CSF in the promotion of metastasis, demonstrating a potential mechanistic link between them. Understanding this link is imperative both for the development of diagnostic tests and for therapies targeting neutrophils to improve the treatment of breast cancer patients with or at risk of developing metastatic disease. As a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients predicts poor outcome, while mild neutropenia predicts an improved outcome, we urge caution in the use of G-CSF in neutrophil recovery following chemotherapy as there is increasing evidence in preclinical models that G-CSF can promote metastasis.