The article reviews the role of microglia and macrophages in the maintenance and progression of gliomas, which are complex tumors composed of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells. Non-neoplastic cells, primarily tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), contribute to tumor growth, survival, and migration. TAMs can be recruited to glioma environments and release various growth factors and cytokines, facilitating tumor progression. The origins of TAMs, including resident microglia and recruited monocytes, are discussed, highlighting the complex interactions between these cells and their impact on glioma biology. The article also explores the activation states of TAMs, such as M1 and M2 phenotypes, and their regulatory roles in glioma growth and migration. Additionally, it examines the effects of TAMs on glioma stem cells and the potential therapeutic targets for glioma treatment, emphasizing the importance of targeting TAMs in combination with anti-neoplastic therapies.The article reviews the role of microglia and macrophages in the maintenance and progression of gliomas, which are complex tumors composed of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells. Non-neoplastic cells, primarily tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), contribute to tumor growth, survival, and migration. TAMs can be recruited to glioma environments and release various growth factors and cytokines, facilitating tumor progression. The origins of TAMs, including resident microglia and recruited monocytes, are discussed, highlighting the complex interactions between these cells and their impact on glioma biology. The article also explores the activation states of TAMs, such as M1 and M2 phenotypes, and their regulatory roles in glioma growth and migration. Additionally, it examines the effects of TAMs on glioma stem cells and the potential therapeutic targets for glioma treatment, emphasizing the importance of targeting TAMs in combination with anti-neoplastic therapies.