Investigating how inflammatory processes and immune cells contribute to tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance within the tumor microenvironment.
Chronic inflammation is closely associated with an increased risk of cancer development. Persistent inflammatory processes caused by factors such as infections, smoking, or alcohol consumption can contribute to malignant transformation and tumor progression. As a result, many tumors contain large numbers of inflammatory and immune cells that influence tumor behavior.
Within the tumor microenvironment, inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, growth factors, and reactive oxygen species can promote tumor cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. At the same time, immune responses may exert selective pressure on tumor cells, leading to the emergence of tumor variants that escape immune recognition.
Researchers at UCCSH investigate the complex interactions between tumor cells, immune cells, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing new strategies that target not only tumor cells themselves but also the inflammatory and immune components of the tumor microenvironment. Such approaches may improve treatment efficacy and support the development of innovative immunotherapeutic concepts.