Inflammation and Cancer

Overview

Journal Nature

Specialty Science

Date 2002 Dec 20

PMID 12490959

Citations 6389

Authors

Lisa M Coussens

Zena Werb

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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.

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