Objective To explore the association of macrophages with carcinogenesis and development of gastric cancer. Method The related literatures at home and abroad were consulted and reviewed. Results The microenvironment of gastric cancer could induce the polarization of macrophages，and then the activated macrophages，especially the tumor associated macrophages，could in turn motivate the growth，invasion，and metastasis of tumor cells by secreting a series of active substances. Conclusions Macrophages，especially the tumor associated macrophages play an importantrole in the carcinogenesis and development of gastric cancer. Investigating the macrophages and their interaction with gastric cancer may lead to a profound understanding of carcinogenesis of gastric cancer as well as opening up a new prospectfor treatment.