2002 December 19; 420(6917): 860–867 | Lisa M. Coussens and Zena Werb
The article discusses the significant role of inflammation in the progression of cancer, highlighting that inflammation is a critical component of tumorigenesis. It explains that many cancers originate from sites of infection, chronic irritation, and inflammation, and that the tumor microenvironment, influenced by inflammatory cells, plays a vital role in promoting cancer growth, survival, and metastasis. Tumor cells have co-opted signaling molecules from the innate immune system, such as selectins, chemokines, and their receptors, to aid in invasion and metastasis. The article also explores the historical context, starting with Virchow's hypothesis in 1863, and the modern understanding of the causal relationship between inflammation, innate immunity, and cancer. It outlines the mechanisms of inflammation, including the role of leukocytes, mast cells, and chemokines in wound healing and their potential to contribute to cancer progression. The article emphasizes the dual role of inflammatory cells in both promoting and potentially suppressing tumor growth, and discusses the implications for anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches. It also covers the connection between chronic inflammation and specific cancers, such as those associated with infections like *Helicobacter pylori* and hepatitis viruses, and the role of chemokines in tumor growth and metastasis. The article concludes by highlighting the potential of targeting inflammatory pathways for cancer therapy.The article discusses the significant role of inflammation in the progression of cancer, highlighting that inflammation is a critical component of tumorigenesis. It explains that many cancers originate from sites of infection, chronic irritation, and inflammation, and that the tumor microenvironment, influenced by inflammatory cells, plays a vital role in promoting cancer growth, survival, and metastasis. Tumor cells have co-opted signaling molecules from the innate immune system, such as selectins, chemokines, and their receptors, to aid in invasion and metastasis. The article also explores the historical context, starting with Virchow's hypothesis in 1863, and the modern understanding of the causal relationship between inflammation, innate immunity, and cancer. It outlines the mechanisms of inflammation, including the role of leukocytes, mast cells, and chemokines in wound healing and their potential to contribute to cancer progression. The article emphasizes the dual role of inflammatory cells in both promoting and potentially suppressing tumor growth, and discusses the implications for anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches. It also covers the connection between chronic inflammation and specific cancers, such as those associated with infections like *Helicobacter pylori* and hepatitis viruses, and the role of chemokines in tumor growth and metastasis. The article concludes by highlighting the potential of targeting inflammatory pathways for cancer therapy.