Abstract

The mixture of cytokines that is produced in the tumour microenvironment has an important role in cancer pathogenesis. Cytokines that are released in response to infection, inflammation and immunity can function to inhibit tumour development and progression. Alternatively, cancer cells can respond to host-derived cytokines that promote growth, attenuate apoptosis and facilitate invasion and metastasis. A more detailed understanding of cytokine–tumour-cell interactions provides new opportunities for improving cancer immunotherapy.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Medical Oncology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
   Email: glenn_dranoff@dfci.harvard.edu

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