Tumor-associated inflammation: The role and research progress in tumor therapy

Long-term infiltration of chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression. Chronic inflammation can create a hypoxic microenvironment, stimulate inflammatory mediator expression, induce immunosuppression, and influence tumorigenesis through intricate signaling pathways. Revealing the intricate interplay between inflammation and tumor development holds paramount promise for novel therapeutic strategies in oncology research. The impact of tumor-associated inflammation on tumor development can be observed across various physiological levels, encompassing diverse inflammatory pathways, factors, and cells. All these elements hold potential as therapeutic targets in the pursuit of novel treatment agents. Currently, a variety of pharmacological agents have demonstrated significant efficacy in regulating chronic inflammation and inhibiting tumorigenesis and progression, many of which have gained widespread clinical utilization. Furthermore, nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDS) serve as a promising platform that can enhance the efficacy and safety of therapeutic drugs in regulating tumor-associated inflammation. They possess the advantages of targeted delivery and specific release, thereby playing a pivotal role in tumor therapy. Herein, this review initially discusses the intricate interplay among inflammation, tumor and immunity, providing an overview of key aspects related to tumor-associated inflammation such as pathways, factors, and cells. Additionally, a comprehensive summary is provided on therapeutic agents and their application in nano-based drug delivery systems for modulating tumor-associated inflammation.