Development of cancer is a multi-step process that consists of initiation, promotion and progression. Central to the cancer development are genetic and epigenetic changes within cancer cells, together with alterations of tumor microenvironment. During these complex processes the cancer cells acquire the specific growth hallmarks, including self-sufficient growth, unlimited replication potential, resistance to apoptosis, insensitivity to anti-growth signals, sustained angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis. Inflammation has long been associated with the development and progression of cancer. Cumulative evidence shows that inflammatory responses contribute to altered tissue repair and homeostasis in tumors, via unregulated control of cell proliferation, induced DNA damage, mobilizing pools of cytokines and chemokines, and activation of angiogenesis etc. Studies of complex cross-interactions between cancer and inflammation, the mechanisms and roles of innate resistance and adaptive immunity in carcinogenesis and cancer progression will contribute to cancer prevention and treatments.

Members of the Cancer and Inflammation Group are active researchers in various fields of cancer and inflammation biology, with particular focuses of studies on the following areas:

1. Studies of carcinogenesis and the effects of inflammatory microenvironment on the carcinogenesis of different organs, particularly prostate and gastrointestinal tract;
2. Studies of hormones and nuclear receptors, signaling molecules, non-coding RNA in cancer development and inflammation;
3. Genomics and proteomics in cancer and inflammation;
4. Application of biological molecules, recombinant antibodies, traditional Chinese medicine and natural products in cancer treatment and prevention;
5. Interactions between inflammatory cells and cancer.