Neutrophils fan cancer's flames

Abstract

A new study published in this issue of The EMBO Journal looks into the crosstalk between inflammation and cancer (Antonio et al, 2015). By using a zebrafish melanoma model, the authors reveal that neutrophils recruited at the wound site directly interact with cells undergoing oncogenic transformation and provide them with a paracrine proliferative support. Importantly, the authors demonstrate the clinical relevance of this association, showing that neutrophil infiltration has an independent prognostic value for human melanoma. This study reinforces the notion that inflammation flames carcinogenesis, which might have important implications for the improvement of antitumour therapies.

Figure 1

Neutrophils attracted by an adjacent wound foster outgrowth of pre-neoplastic cell clones In a zebrafish melanoma model, Antonio et al (2015) show that neutrophils, which are recruited to the site of injury through release of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), are diverted into the proximity of pre-neoplastic cells. Via mechanisms involving release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), neutrophils drive proliferation of pre-neoplastic cells resulting in clone establishment.