Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Exploring the Pharmacological Action and Molecular Mechanism of Salidroside in Inhibiting MCF-7 Cell Proliferation and Migration
Published on: June 9, 2023
Potential prognostic and therapeutic roles for cytokines in breast cancer (Review)
V S R Rao1, C E Dyer, J K A Jameel
1University of Hull - Academic Surgical Unit, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK.
Abstract:
Cytokines are known to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on breast cancer growth depending on their relative concentrations and the presence of other modulating factors in the tumour microenvironment. Certain cytokines appear to prevent an effective immune response being mounted, permitting cancer growth, whereas others promote the immune system's anti-tumour capability. Furthermore, the systemic levels of certain cytokines, e.g. IL-6 and IL-18, independently show promising correlations with disease stage and progression. With advances in methods for delivery of cytokines to a tumour site, the enhanced induction of anti-tumour immunity by targeted cytokine release is becoming a realistic option. Here, we review the role of cytokines in the immune response against breast cancer and assess their potential as prognostic indicators and/or use in immune therapy. A literature search was conducted using Medline, restricted to articles published in the English language, using combinations of the following MeSH terms: cytokines, breast cancer, immunology, immunotherapy and interleukins. Focused searches using keywords relevant to the role of cytokines in breast cancer immunology yielded >200 references.
Related Concept Videos
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
