A model for cancer-suppressive inflammation

In oncology, inflammation is generally regarded as a cancer-promoting process only. Here, we argue that this view may represent a misleading oversimplification. We present evidence from our own work and from the literature documenting cancer-suppressive aspects of inflammation. We propose that specific types of inflammation, in particular inflammation driven by tumor-specific Th1 cells, may repress rather than promote cancer. Th1 cells collaborate with tumor-infiltrating M1 macrophages to efficiently recognize and eliminate malignant cells. In a Th1 environment, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and tumor-necrosis factor a (TNF alpha) enhance anti-cancer immunity. Inducing Th1-type inflammation may significantly improve immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer.