Tams

TAMs is an acronym used in several disciplines. The most common meanings are tumor-associated macrophages in cancer biology, the Technology Acceptance Model in information systems, and the Total Addressable Market in market analysis. Each use reflects a distinct concept, and context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are macrophages located within the tumor microenvironment, derived from circulating monocytes or resident tissue macrophages. They often adopt a pro-tumor, M2-like phenotype that promotes cancer growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and immunosuppression. TAMs can contribute to therapy resistance, and research in this area includes strategies to reprogram them toward anti-tumor activity or to inhibit their recruitment or survival.

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is a framework for understanding user adoption of information technology. Introduced by Davis in 1989, it centers on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use as key determinants of attitude, intention to use, and actual usage. Extensions such as TAM2 and TAM3 add additional determinants and moderating factors. Critics argue that TAM emphasizes individual cognition and may have limited applicability across diverse contexts.

Total Addressable Market (TAM) refers to the theoretical maximum revenue opportunity for a product or service in a defined market, assuming full market penetration. Estimation methods include top-down analyses from industry data and bottom-up analyses based on target customers and pricing. TAM is related to serviceable available market (SAM) and serviceable obtainable market (SOM) and informs strategy, fundraising, and prioritization.