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Inflammation and cancer: back to Virchow?
1ICRF Translational Oncology Laboratory, St Bartholomew's and Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK. f.balkwill@icrf.icnet.uk
Lancet (London, England)
|March 7, 2001
Summary
Cancer progression shares similarities with inflammation and wound healing. Targeting inflammatory pathways and cytokines shows promise for cancer prevention and treatment, offering new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Cancer response mechanisms overlap with inflammation and wound healing.
- Inflammatory cells and cytokines within tumors may promote cancer growth and immune suppression.
- Genetic variations in inflammatory cytokine genes might influence cancer susceptibility and severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate links between cancer and inflammation.
- To discuss the implications of these connections for cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
- To provide a rationale for targeting cytokine and chemokine pathways in malignant diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of the relationship between cancer, inflammation, and wound healing.
- Analysis of the role of inflammatory cells and cytokines in tumor progression.
- Examination of genetic polymorphisms in inflammatory cytokine genes.
- Review of therapeutic strategies involving cytokine/chemokine blockade and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Main Results:
- Inflammatory mediators in tumors often facilitate tumor growth, progression, and immunosuppression.
- Inhibition of inflammatory cytokines has demonstrated efficacy in preventing experimental cancer development.
- Cytokine and chemokine antagonists, like tumor necrosis factor antagonists, show clinical efficacy in related diseases.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation can act as a 'fuel' for cancer development and progression.
- Targeting the cytokine and chemokine network through blockade is a viable strategy for cancer treatment and prevention.
- Further investigation into non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is warranted for chemoprevention and treatment of cancers.
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