Korean J Med.  2006 Feb;70(2):130-137.

Crossroad between inflammation and carcinogenesis in colon

• Yeo M
• Surh YJ
• Hahm KB

Abstract

Current evidences have expended the concept that chronic inflammation might play a crucial role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. For instance, chronic ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with a 10- to 40-fold increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to the general population. However, the specific mechanistic link between chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis in colon has not been integrated into molecular understanding. In this current review, we will provide an update on the molecular pathogenesis of colitis-associated colorectal cancer, focused on 1) the differences of molecular mechanism between the colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) and the sporadic colorectal cancer (SCC), 2) the plausible and contributive role of chronic inflammation in colon carcinogenesis, and 3) lessons learned from colitis-associated animal model. Understanding of molecular pathogenic mechanism underlying the colitis-associated colorectal cancer will facilitate the development of novel treatment strategies for prevention of colitis-associated colorectal cancer.

Keyword

Inflammatory bowel disease; Ulcerative colitis; Colorectal cancer; Animal model

MeSH Terms

Carcinogenesis*
Colitis, Ulcerative
Colon*
Colorectal Neoplasms
Inflammation*
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Models, Animal