News Release

The role of inflammatory mediators in age-related and postmenopausal breast cancer

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Compuscript Ltd

fig 1

image: 

Image Caption: Pro-inflammatory cytokines and the C-X-C motif chemokine (CXC) family members and their receptors. 

Image link: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S2352304225000959-gr1_lrg.jpg  


 

view more 

Credit: Genes & Diseases

Age-related and postmenopausal breast cancer progression remains a significant challenge, with growing evidence pointing to the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and CXC chemokines in tumor development and immune system modulation. As the global population ages, understanding the intricate connections between aging, inflammation, and cancer progression becomes increasingly critical.

 

The aging process is accompanied by changes in the tumor microenvironment, including the stiffening of the extracellular matrix and the accumulation of inflammatory immune mediators, such as interleukins (IL-6, IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), transforming growth factor (TGF), and CXC chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12). These factors contribute to tumor growth, metastasis, and immune evasion, particularly in postmenopausal women.

 

Obesity-induced chronic inflammation further amplifies the risks, as excess adipose tissue leads to an overproduction of cytokines and adipokines. This inflammatory environment enhances tumor aggressiveness, influences immune cell infiltration, and modifies hormone signaling, thereby increasing breast cancer susceptibility in postmenopausal women. Studies have shown that elevated levels of CXCL8/IL-8 and CXCL12/CXCR4 correlate with tumor progression, making these key targets for potential therapeutic interventions.

 

A crucial aspect of age-related breast cancer progression is the dysregulation of the immune system, particularly the decline in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the impaired response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), characterized by the release of inflammatory cytokines, plays a pivotal role in this process, contributing to both tumor growth and immune suppression. The pro-tumor effects of IL-6, IL-1β, and CXCLs highlight the importance of targeting cytokine-driven inflammation as a therapeutic strategy.

 

Advancements in theranostic interventions focusing on cytokine and chemokine modulation hold promise for improved breast cancer treatment in older women. By addressing the interplay between aging, obesity, inflammation, and immune function, researchers aim to develop personalized therapies that mitigate tumor progression while preserving immune surveillance.

 

With the rising incidence of postmenopausal breast cancer, the need for innovative approaches targeting inflammatory pathways has never been more pressing. By unraveling the complex molecular mechanisms underlying age-related cancer progression, the scientific community is paving the way for more effective and tailored treatment strategies that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

 

# # # # #

Genes & Diseases publishes rigorously peer-reviewed and high quality original articles and authoritative reviews that focus on the molecular bases of human diseases. Emphasis is placed on hypothesis-driven, mechanistic studies relevant to pathogenesis and/or experimental therapeutics of human diseases. The journal has worldwide authorship, and a broad scope in basic and translational biomedical research of molecular biology, molecular genetics, and cell biology, including but not limited to cell proliferation and apoptosis, signal transduction, stem cell biology, developmental biology, gene regulation and epigenetics, cancer biology, immunity and infection, neuroscience, disease-specific animal models, gene and cell-based therapies, and regenerative medicine.

Scopus CiteScore: 8.4

Impact Factor: 6.9

 

# # # # # #

 

More information: https://www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/genes-and-diseases/

Editorial Board: https://www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/genes-and-diseases/editorial-board/

All issues and articles in press are available online in ScienceDirect (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/genes-and-diseases ).

Submissions to Genes & Disease may be made using Editorial Manager (https://www.editorialmanager.com/gendis/default.aspx ).

Print ISSN: 2352-4820

eISSN: 2352-3042

CN: 50-1221/R

Contact Us: editor@genesndiseases.com

X (formerly Twitter): @GenesNDiseases (https://x.com/GenesNDiseases )

 

# # # # # #

Reference

Amin Ullah, Rajeev K. Singla, Dan Cao, Boyang Chen, Bairong Shen, Age-related and postmenopausal breast cancer progression and treatment management: The significance of pro-inflammatory cytokines and CXC chemokines, Genes & Diseases, Volume 12, Issue 5, 2025, 101606,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2025.101606

 


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.