Published online May 15, 2014. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v6.i5.129
Revised: January 3, 2014
Accepted: April 11, 2014
Published online: May 15, 2014
Processing time: 171 Days and 2.4 Hours
Core tip: The substantial number of studies that soundly demonstrated the close relationship between chronic inflammation and colon carcinogenesis has encouraged researchers to investigate the pathways interrelated with this process. The results point-out to various factors, molecules and genes that may jointly enhance or inhibit tumor development. The close linkage between immune and colon cancer cells resulting in a cross-talk between them with a consequent equilibrium in inflammatory cytokines release opens a new window for understanding the complicated stages of cancer initiation and progression. Moreover, the capability of emerging modulators to target the dialogue between immune and cancer cells indicates that immunomodulation may serve as a promising addition to the drug armamentarium for colorectal cancer.