Chronic inflammation characterizing patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a major risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. Mechanisms underlying this neoplastic transformation are not fully understood though studies in experimental models of colon carcinogenesis suggest that inflammatory cell-derived cytokines either directly or indirectly stimulate the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Nevertheless, under specific inflammatory conditions, immune cells can boost an anti-tumor immune response with the down-stream effect of eliminating dysplastic and cancerous cells. This review outlines the beneficial and detrimental role of inflammation in colon carcinogenesis.
Monteleone, G., Pallone, F., Stolfi, C. (2012). The dual role of inflammation in colon carcinogenesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 13(9), 11071-11084 [10.3390/ijms130911071].
The dual role of inflammation in colon carcinogenesis
MONTELEONE, GIOVANNI;PALLONE, FRANCESCO;Stolfi, C.
2012-01-01
Abstract
Chronic inflammation characterizing patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a major risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. Mechanisms underlying this neoplastic transformation are not fully understood though studies in experimental models of colon carcinogenesis suggest that inflammatory cell-derived cytokines either directly or indirectly stimulate the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Nevertheless, under specific inflammatory conditions, immune cells can boost an anti-tumor immune response with the down-stream effect of eliminating dysplastic and cancerous cells. This review outlines the beneficial and detrimental role of inflammation in colon carcinogenesis.Questo articolo è pubblicato sotto una Licenza Licenza Creative Commons