The role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis and progression of neoplasms

Cytokines play an important role in the functioning of the immune system. Studies have reported an increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines by the neoplasms. Inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of various diseases; it is also a risk factor for the development and progression of a neoplasm, as exemplified by the development of cancer in the region of the head and neck in response to chronic inflammation caused by irritants present, e.g. in cigarette smoke. Cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF, IL-8, IL-17), which take part in the inflammatory response and are, therefore, strongly involved in the development of cancer. The combined action of cytokines produced by the neoplastic cells via multiple mechanisms, modulates cell response of the host immune system. Clinical observations suggest that cancer patients show a progressive disorder of the immune system, resulting in tumor progression. The mechanisms conducive to the weakening or lack of an immune response to neoplastic antigens contribute to the severity of the invasion of cancerous lesions. Although mechanisms that occur between tumor cells, the micro-environment of the tumor and immune cells of the host are not thoroughly known, previous research point to the importance of this interaction in oncogenesis, which may ultimately affect the prognosis.