Inflammation and cancer stem cells

Cancer Lett. 2014 Apr 10;345(2):271-8. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.07.031. Epub 2013 Aug 11.

Abstract

Cancer stem cells are becoming recognised as being responsible for metastasis and treatment resistance. The complex cellular and molecular network that regulates cancer stem cells and the role that inflammation plays in cancer progression are slowly being elucidated. Cytokines, secreted by tumour associated immune cells, activate the necessary pathways required by cancer stem cells to facilitate cancer stem cells progressing through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migrating to distant sites. Once in situ, these cancer stem cells can secrete their own attractants, thus providing an environment whereby these cells can continue to propagate the tumour in a secondary niche.

Keywords: Cancer stem cells; Epigenetics; Epithelial–mesenchymal transition; Inflammation; Microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications*
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / immunology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Stem Cell Niche
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Inflammation Mediators