Perspectives
Nature Reviews Cancer 8, 887-899 (November 2008) | doi:10.1038/nrc2507
Opinion: Cytokines and their relationship to the symptoms and outcome of cancer
See also: Correspondence by Molfino et al.
Bostjan Seruga1, Haibo Zhang1, Lori J. Bernstein1 & Ian F. Tannock1 About the authors
Abstract
Tumours contain immune cells and a network of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which collaborate in the development and progression of cancer. Cytokine profiles might prove to be prognostic. The systemic effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with fatigue, depression and cognitive impairment, and can affect quality of life before, during and after treatment. In people with advanced cancer, pro-inflammatory cytokines are additionally associated with anorexia and cachexia, pain, toxicity of treatment and resistance to treatment. However, physical activity might modify cytokine levels and decrease fatigue in patients with cancer, and might also improve their prognosis.
Author affiliations
- Bostjan Seruga and Ian F. Tannock are at the Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Haibo Zhang is at the Departments of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, and Lori J. Bernstein is at the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Correspondence to: Ian F. Tannock1 Email: ian.tannock@uhn.on.ca
Published online 10 October 2008
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