Because TNF-α secreted from tumor cells and/or macrophages can affect the phenotype of these cells in a paracrine and/or autocrine manner, we hypothesize that colorectal cancer cells may interact with TAMs in the microenvironment and alter the cytokine profile of TAMs to promote tumor progression and metastasis through TNF-α, the secretion of which is stimulated by PRL-3 in a paracrine manner. Here, PTP4A3 is linked to colorectal cancer.