Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A (2025)
Inflammatory biomarkers as predictors of cancer progression and treatment response
Zeina Abdul-Ella, Maryam Jasim Hasan, Hamssa M Mustafa and Osama A Mohsein
Inflammatory biomarkers have emerged as critical tools for understanding cancer progression and predicting treatment response. Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in tumor development by promoting genetic instability, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. Key biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins (IL-6, IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), have shown significant associations with cancer prognosis and therapeutic outcomes across various malignancies. This review highlights the dual role of inflammatory biomarkers in cancer, acting as both facilitators of tumor progression and potential targets for treatment. Elevated CRP levels, for instance, correlate with advanced tumor stages and poor survival rates. Similarly, IL-6 and TNF-α contribute to cancer cell proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy. Conversely, IL-10 exhibits immunosuppressive effects, which may aid in tumor immune escape. Emerging evidence also underscores the prognostic value of composite markers like NLR in stratifying patient risks and tailoring treatment strategies. In clinical practice, monitoring inflammatory biomarkers provides a non-invasive and cost-effective method to assess disease status and predict responses to interventions such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Furthermore, therapeutic modulation of inflammatory pathways holds promise for improving outcomes in patients with resistant or recurrent cancers. Despite significant advancements, challenges remain in standardizing biomarker thresholds and understanding their dynamic interplay with cancer heterogeneity. Future research should focus on integrating inflammatory biomarkers into personalized treatment protocols and exploring their utility in combination with other molecular and genetic markers for a more comprehensive approach to cancer management. This review underscores the potential of inflammatory biomarkers as valuable predictors and modulators of cancer progression and treatment response, paving the way for improved precision oncology.
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