The article reviews the role of macrophages in tumor microenvironments and their impact on tumor progression. Macrophages, which are widely distributed innate immune cells, can be activated by various stimuli and polarized into different phenotypes, including classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. M1 macrophages express proinflammatory cytokines and effector molecules, while M2 macrophages express anti-inflammatory molecules. In most tumors, infiltrated macrophages are of the M2 phenotype, which provides an immunosuppressive microenvironment that promotes tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immunosuppression. Additionally, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) interact with cancer stem cells (CSCs), facilitating tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. The article discusses the properties of differentially polarized macrophages and explores the role of TAMs in tumor progression, including monocyte recruitment, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, tumor growth, metastasis, and immunosuppression. Finally, it highlights potential therapies targeting TAMs, such as antimacrophage approaches, anti-angiogenesis strategies, and converting M2 macrophages to M1 macrophages.The article reviews the role of macrophages in tumor microenvironments and their impact on tumor progression. Macrophages, which are widely distributed innate immune cells, can be activated by various stimuli and polarized into different phenotypes, including classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. M1 macrophages express proinflammatory cytokines and effector molecules, while M2 macrophages express anti-inflammatory molecules. In most tumors, infiltrated macrophages are of the M2 phenotype, which provides an immunosuppressive microenvironment that promotes tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immunosuppression. Additionally, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) interact with cancer stem cells (CSCs), facilitating tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. The article discusses the properties of differentially polarized macrophages and explores the role of TAMs in tumor progression, including monocyte recruitment, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, tumor growth, metastasis, and immunosuppression. Finally, it highlights potential therapies targeting TAMs, such as antimacrophage approaches, anti-angiogenesis strategies, and converting M2 macrophages to M1 macrophages.