Inflammation and cancer

Abstract

Recent data have expanded the concept that inflammation is a critical component of tumour progression. Many cancers arise from sites of infection, chronic irritation and inflammation. It is now becoming clear that the tumour microenvironment, which is largely orchestrated by inflammatory cells, is an indispensable participant in the neoplastic process, fostering proliferation, survival and migration. In addition, tumour cells have co-opted some of the signalling molecules of the innate immune system, such as selectins, chemokines and their receptors for invasion, migration and metastasis. These insights are fostering new anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches to cancer development.

Areca nut exposure increases secretion of tumor‐promoting cytokines in gingival fibroblasts that trigger DNA damage in oral keratinocytes

“…Hence, inflammatory reaction has emerged as one of the main causes of cancer development 4, 5. Even though the causal relationship between cancer and surrounding inflammation has not been well elucidated, inflammation has been accepted as an indispensable causal factor for development of various tumors 6, 7. A large number of genes related to inflammations are associated with cancer development,8 accumulating evidence suggests that various inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8 and GRO‐α may play a critical role in carcinogenesis 9, 10, 11…”

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis may be a precursor or risk factor for specific cancers: A case‐control frequency‐matched study

“…In addition to the immune system's effect on the role of RAS and cancer, family history, trauma, hormonal factors, and emotional stress are associated with RAS and the risk of cancer 32, 33. A plausible hypothesis is that many cancers arise from areas of inflammation 34, 35. DNA damage in proliferating cells, through their generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species induced by phagocytic cells and leukocytes that are produced normally by these cells during the process of inflammation 36.…”

“…The strongest association of chronic inflammation with cancers is in colon and liver carcinogenesis arising in individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases 38. Some specific cancers such as colon, liver, pancreas, breast, prostate, hematology, head and neck and skin cancers where the inflammatory process is a cofactor in carcinogenesis 34, 35, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43. About 15% of the global‐specific cancers burden is attributable to inflammation 35.…”

Mnk kinases in cytokine signaling and regulation of cytokine responses

“…However immune responses controlling the secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines can be important mediators of oncogenesis as well as tumor progression (reviewed in [139]). The experimental results discussed in this review point towards an important role for Mnk kinases in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.…”

“…The experimental results discussed in this review point towards an important role for Mnk kinases in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Tumor cells are known to secrete a variety of cytokines attracting lymphocytes and modulating their responses, leading to a pro-inflammatory and a pro-tumorogenic state [139]. Mnk kinases mediate the production of IL-6 [16] which is an important regulator of tumor initiation and progression [140].…”