Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor: a Key Cytokine and Therapeutic Target in Colon Cancer

Throughout Europe, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women combined [1], responsible for an estimated 150,000 cancer deaths in 2012 [1]. Chronic inflammation is recognised as an important contributing factor to the development of colorectal cancer. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a significantly higher risk of colon cancer when compared with healthy populations [2–4]. Furthermore, the long-term administration of low-dose dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) to mice or rats results in chronic colonic inflammation which can progresses to colon cancer [5], indicating that colonic inflammation can pre-date malignancy within the colon.
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Tags: Mini review Source Type: research