Cancer and Inflammation
Central to the development of cancer are genetic changes that endow these “cancer cells” with many of the hallmarks of cancer, such as self-sufficient growth and resistance to anti-growth and pro-death signals. However, while
Central to the development of cancer are genetic changes that endow these “cancer cells” with many of the hallmarks of cancer, such as self-sufficient growth and resistance to anti-growth and pro-death signals. However, while
1. the genetic changes that occur within cancer
cells themselves, such as activated oncogenes or dysfunctional tumor
suppressors, are responsible for many aspects of cancer development, they are
not sufficient.
2. Tumor promotion and progression are
dependent on ancillary processes provided by cells of the tumor environment but
that are not necessarily cancerous themselves.
Inflammation
has long been associated with the development of
cancer.
This review will discuss the reflexive
relationship between cancer and inflammation with particular focus on how
considering the role of inflammation in physiologic processes such as the
maintenance of tissue homeostasis and repair may provide a logical framework for
understanding the connection between the inflammatory response and cancer