Editorial [Hot Topic: Role of Inflammation in the Evolution of Cancer Disease (Guest Editor: Antonio Maccio)]

Role of Inflammation in the Evolution of Cancer Disease In the course of its evolution cancer induces in the host changes of the immune system and energy metabolism which deeply affect its clinical conditions so much so that in some cases they are responsible for the death [1]. Several symptoms are associated to these events and involve various organs and systems: anorexia, nausea, weight loss (with reduction of lean mass and adipose tissue), enhanced increase of energy metabolism (with changes of the glucidic, lipidic and protein metabolism), immunodepression, anemia, fatigue. It is difficult to establish the exact moment when such changes actually start, but it could be hypothesized that they are the consequence of the interactions between the tumor and the host [2]. The hypothesis that the presence of the tumor and its continuous growth are responsible for the increased energy expenditure and for the progressive weight loss has been considered the most reliable so far. The presence in the host of continuously growing neoplastic tissue justifies by itself the increased energy needs; moreover, it is accompanied by the energy expenditure associated with chronic activation of the immune system, trying to counteract the tumour, which is energetically very costly [3]. However, the energy metabolism in cancer patients is affected by the onset, during the disease evolution, of symptoms such as anorexia, nausea and vomiting, which prevent a normal nutrition and thus a regular supply of glucose, lipids, proteins and vitamins [4]. The same molecules (cytokines) which regulate both the tumor development and the immune system functions are responsible for these symptoms [5, 6].....