Abstract

The intricate relationship between inflammation and cancer is a well-established paradigm in oncology. Inflammation is recognized as one of the key hallmarks of cancer, profoundly influences tumor progression, malignant transformation, and the efficacy of chemotherapy. The tumor microenvironment, comprising various factors and signaling mechanisms, plays a pivotal role in shaping the biological characteristics of tumors. This review delves into the components of the tumor microenvironment, including inflammasomes, cytokines, and non-coding RNA, elucidating the impact of inflammation on tumor microenvironment dynamics throughout tumorigenesis. Particularly, inflammation exerts its influence by inducing immune suppression, with acute inflammation paradoxically fostering anti-tumor immune responses. The interplay of inflammatory factors significantly regulate immune responses within the tumor microenvironment, involving inhibiting immune cell activity, allowing tumors to evade surveillance, and promoting their proliferation and metastasis. Moreover, inflammation contributes to oxidative stress, generating reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. These oxidative agents can inflict damage on proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, inducing genetic mutations and neoplastic transformations. Non-coding RNA molecules, crucial players in the tumor microenvironment, significantly contribute to the regulation of tumors and inflammation through diverse pathways. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between inflammation and the tumor microenvironment holds immense potential for advancing cancer research and developing novel treatment strategies. This review provides a theoretical foundation for combating tumors by exploring the nuanced connections among inflammation, tumor microenvironment, and cancer development.