Inflammation and Metastasis

This book provides the latest information on cancer metastasis from the perspective of inflammation and presents new ideas on the complicated mechanisms of metastasis and potential therapeutic targets. It discusses mechanisms recently identified to be involved in the resolution phase of inflammation, the roles of endogenous TLR4 ligands in metastasis, and the concept of homeostatic inflammation and its dysregulation for metastasis. It also covers the functional involvement of new types of RNA in cancer, the insights offered by recent advances in bioinformatics, and the potential of a casein kinase 1α inhibitor in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 518 pages
Publication date: 08 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book, now in a thoroughly revised and updated second edition, provides the latest information on cancer metastasis from the perspective of inflammation and presents new ideas on the complicated mechanisms of metastasis and potential therapeutic targets. Key features include discussion of mechanisms recently identified to be involved in the resolution phase of inflammation, presentation of the latest evidence regarding the roles of endogenous TLR4 ligands in metastasis, and thorough explanation of the concept of homeostatic inflammation and current understanding of the significance of its dysregulation for metastasis. Structure-based thinking is another important element of the book, and it is proposed that inflammation forms a functional triangle with angiogenesis and coagulation, at the center of which cancer is located. Examples of the many additional specific topics covered in this edition include the functional involvement of new types of RNA in cancer, the insights offered by recent advances in bioinformatics, and the potential of a casein kinase 1α inhibitor in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

The book will be a valuable update and resource for both experienced and younger researchers.

Homeostasis, originated from an idea of internal milieu by Claude Bernard, is eventually maintained by endogenous elements. The essential features of inflammation are leukocyte mobilization and increased vascular permeability, which could take place in many homeostatic or physiological conditions at low levels. Homeostatic inflammation is a concept to explain pathological settings such as metastasis in which irrespective of its level those inflammatory features are misused with endogenous molecules (see Chap. 14, 15).

As inflammation comprises many biological fields, the present review will focus on the role of inflammation in cancer metastasis.

Inflammation is a complex biological response to various stimuli, including infection, injury, and cancer. It involves the activation of immune cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, which produce cytokines and other molecules that promote inflammation and tissue damage.

There is growing evidence that inflammation plays a critical role in cancer metastasis. One of the mechanisms by which inflammation promotes metastasis is by promoting the formation of new blood vessels. This is known as angiogenesis, and it is essential for the growth and spread of cancer cells to distant organs. Inflammatory cytokines, such as VEGF and TNFα, can stimulate the growth of blood vessels and promote the invasion and migration of cancer cells.

Another mechanism by which inflammation promotes cancer metastasis is by promoting the activation of immune cells. Immune cells can recognize and attack cancer cells, but they can also promote the growth and spread of cancer cells by producing cytokines and other molecules that promote inflammation. For example, T cells can produce cytokines such as IL-2 and IFNγ that promote the growth and survival of cancer cells.

Inflammation can also promote the development of a favorable microenvironment for cancer cells to grow and survive. This microenvironment is characterized by low oxygen levels, high glucose levels, and a lack of immune cells. Inflammatory cytokines can promote the formation of this microenvironment by stimulating the growth of blood vessels and by promoting the recruitment of immune cells that are suppressive of immune responses.

There is also evidence that inflammation can promote the development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This is known as chemoresistance and radiation resistance, and it is a major challenge in the treatment of cancer. Inflammatory cytokines can promote the development of chemoresistance and radiation resistance by promoting the growth and survival of cancer cells and by promoting the activation of signaling pathways that promote resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

In addition to promoting cancer metastasis, inflammation can also have negative effects on cancer treatment. For example, inflammation can promote the development of side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting in cancer patients. It can also promote the development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy by promoting the growth and survival of cancer cells.

There are several strategies that can be used to target inflammation in cancer treatment. One of the most promising strategies is to use drugs that block the activity of inflammatory cytokines. These drugs include TNFα inhibitors, IL-1 inhibitors, and VEGF inhibitors. These drugs can be used to treat a variety of cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Another strategy that can be used to target inflammation in cancer treatment is to use drugs that promote the resolution of inflammation. These drugs include steroids, such as dexamethasone, and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen. These drugs can be used to treat a variety of cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.

In addition to targeting inflammation in cancer treatment, there are several lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce the risk of developing cancer and to improve the treatment of cancer. These lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.

In conclusion, inflammation plays a critical role in cancer metastasis. It promotes the formation of new blood vessels, the activation of immune cells, the development of a favorable microenvironment for cancer cells to grow and survive, and the development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There are several strategies that can be used to target inflammation in cancer treatment, including drugs that block the activity of inflammatory cytokines and drugs that promote the resolution of inflammation. In addition to targeting inflammation in cancer treatment, there are several lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce the risk of developing cancer and to improve the treatment of cancer.

Weight: 819g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811617591
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2021