Interplay Between Inflammation and Cancer

During the 19th century, for the first time, the linkage between inflammation and cancer was established. Inflammatory microenvironment is an essential component of the tumor microenvironment. Chronic inflammation due to persistent infection due to the microbes, viruses, helminths or constant exposure to non-infectious factors like smoke, silica or asbestos eventually might result in carcinogenesis. In tumor microenvironment, various inflammatory cells such as T lymphocytes (occasionally B cells), dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils and natural killer (NK) cells are present. As a mediator of immune surveillance and host defense TRAIL cytokines are produced which upon binding with death receptors (DRs) initiate a cascade of apoptotic pathways. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, diflunisal and ibuprofen etc. are being used against cancer, indicating the interplay between both the mechanisms. A deeper understanding of common pathways implicated between both the inflammation and cancer may pave the way to fight against both of these deleterious ailments.