Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 0 0 2026 10 02 Engineering and Targeting Macrophages for Cancer Therapy 1 29 Kamal Hajisharifi Plasma Medicine Group, Plasma Research Institute, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran Sara Emadi Plasma Medicine Group, Plasma Research Institute, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran Hossein Aghamollaei Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Majdedin Ghalavand Applied Virology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2026 05 21 2026 07 19 Macrophages are tissue-resident phagocytic cells of the innate immune system that differentiate from circulating blood monocytes and play complex roles in both physiological and pathological conditions. Emerging research indicates that macrophages exhibit diverse phenotypic characteristics and considerable functional plasticity in both physiological and pathological states, including cancer. Macrophages play a complex role in the development and progression of cancer. A model has been proposed that distinguishes between M1 and M2 macrophages in cancer, with M1 macrophages exhibiting antitumor effects, while M2 macrophages have tumor-supportive and immunosuppressive functions. The selective activation of beneficial macrophage populations and the targeted inhibition or re-polarization of tumor-promoting macrophages have shown significant potential for cancer treatment. Due to their intrinsic response to inflammation and their ability to overcome physical barriers, macrophages and their derivatives, including membranes and extracellular vesicles (EVs), are considered sophisticated carriers for drug delivery, enhancing tumor targeting and therapeutic efficacy. This review details recent advances in the development of macrophages for drug delivery and their targeted use of macrophages in cancer therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the capabilities of macrophages in cancer treatment. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/4849 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/4849/2426