IL-1α and colorectal cancer pathogenesis: Enthralling candidate for anti-cancer therapy

Inflammation has been well-established as a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC). Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) is one of the primary inflammatory mediators driving the pathogenesis of inflammation-associated CRC. This systematic review presents the roles of IL-1 alpha in the pathogenesis of the disease. Bibliographic databases PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles that addresses the relationship between IL-1 alpha and colorectal cancer. We highlighted various mechanisms by which IL-1 alpha promotes the pathogenesis of CRC including enhancement of angiogenesis, metastasis, resistance to therapy, and inhibition of tumour suppressive genes. We also discussed the potential mechanisms by which IL-1 alpha expression is induced or secreted in various studies. Beyond these, the systematic review also highlights several potential therapeutic strategies which should be further explored in the future; to target IL-1 alpha and/or its associated pathways; paving our way in finding effective treatments for CRC patients.