Roles of Tumor Suppressors in Regulating Tumor-Associated Inflammation

The document reviewed the multifaceted roles of tumor suppressors (TS) in regulating tumor-associated inflammation, emphasizing that TS genes not only prevent abnormal cell growth but also modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). It highlighted that the loss of TS, such as p53 mutations found in over 50% of human cancers, leads to increased inflammation and cancer susceptibility. The review also discussed the dual nature of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling in cancer, which can suppress or promote tumor growth depending on the context. The document suggested that targeting the inflammatory TME, potentially through the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, IKK inhibitors, metformin, and NSAIDs, could restore TS function and improve antitumor immunity. Clinical studies were cited, including the link between p53 mutations and increased VEGF expression in breast cancer, which may be treatable with VEGF inhibitors. The conclusion was that understanding the effects of TS loss on the TME could lead to novel cancer therapies.