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Chronic Inflammation and Cancer Therapy: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Advances in Resolution Pharmacology

Boram Kim1, Minh Tuan Nguyen1, Yongook Lee1

  • 1BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea.

Biomolecules & Therapeutics
|June 30, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Inflammation resolution is an active process involving Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs). Understanding this mechanism offers new avenues for cancer therapy, including nanomedicine and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic inflammation drives cancer development, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance.
  • Inflammation resolution is now understood as an active biochemical process, not passive dissipation.
  • Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs) actively govern the termination of inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances (2022-2025) in understanding inflammation resolution in cancer.
  • To analyze key molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in failed inflammation resolution.
  • To highlight the potential of Resolution Pharmacology as a novel cancer therapeutic strategy.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive review of cutting-edge research (2022-2025) and clinical data.
  • Analysis of lipid class switching failures in inflammation resolution.
  • Examination of receptor signal transduction networks and resolution-phase macrophages (M-res).

Main Results:

  • Failure in lipid class switching and aberrant receptor signaling impede inflammation resolution.
  • Resolution-phase macrophages (M-res) play a critical role in resolving inflammation.
  • The Sulciner Effect is a relevant phenomenon in the context of inflammation resolution.

Conclusions:

  • Resolution Pharmacology represents a promising fourth pillar of cancer therapy.
  • Nanomedicine and synergistic strategies with immune checkpoint inhibitors are key applications.
  • Targeting inflammation resolution pathways offers novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Antiresolution factorChronic inflammationResolution-phase macrophagesSpecialized Pro-resolving MediatorsSulciner Effect

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