Regulation of neutrophil extracellular traps in cancer

Abstract Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) is one of the defense functions of neutrophils, which has a rapid ability to kill infections and is also crucial in a variety of immune‐associated diseases including infections, tumors and autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have shown that NETs are closely related to the development of tumors. The regulatory role of NETs in tumors has been of interest to researchers. In addition to awakening latent tumor cells, NETs can also promote the proliferation and development of tumor cells and their metastasis to other sites. At the same time, NETs also have the effect of inhibiting tumors. At present, there are some new advances in the impact of NETs on tumor development, which will provide a more theoretical basis for developing NET‐targeted drugs. Therefore, this review just summarized the formation process of NETs, the regulation of tumor development and the treatment methods based on NETs.