From inflammation to cancer

BACKGROUND: The participation of inflammation in the progression of cancer for many years have been the subject of research. METHODS: In the 19th century, there was evidence that an acute inflammation may inhibit the development of cancer. However, chronic inflammation affects the progression of the disease. RESULTS: Today, it is known that inflammation and cancer use similar mechanisms of development such as severe cell proliferation or angiogenesis. It has been shown that prolonged presence of inflammatory cells and factors in the tumor microenvironment can accelerate its growth and inhibit apoptosis of transformed cells. CONCLUSION: In this article we present a brief history of the discovery mechanisms and potential links between acute and chronic inflammation and cancer.