Acute inflammation by definition is a finite self-limiting presentation. All chronic inflammation begins as acute inflammation but does not follow the well-orchestrated process of acute inflammation. Observations suggest that chronic inflammation is involved in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. The chronic inflammatory condition contributes to 15-25% of all cancer conditions worldwide. Examples of chronic inflammatory conditions that are associated with cancer risks include the following: Schistosoma hematobium with bladder cancer; H. pylori with gastric adenocarcinoma; hepatitis virus with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, asbestos-induced inflammation with bronchogenic carcinoma or mesothelioma; and HPV with cervical cancer.
Does a tumor facilitate its existence through the manipulation of the immune system and the promotion of chronic inflammatory mechanisms, or does a chronic inflammatory condition proactively recruit and transform stem cells into tumor cells? The interplay and paradoxical patterns of innate and adaptive cellular communication promote a proinflammatory and protumorigenic environment that allows tumors to grow and escape immune surveillance. At determined points, the inflammatory pathways benefit the host through the repair and remodeling of the extracellular matrix and vascular system, removal of bacterial proliferation through oxidative burst and phagocytic engulfing, and appropriate surveillance of renegade cellular division. On the other hand, these same custodians of tissue trauma, pathogenic invasion, impaired cellular growth, angiogenesis, and oxidative damage will become traitors to the well-being of the host after reaching critical mass in the chronic state of disease. In the region of neoplastic development in association with chronic inflammation, the collaboration between the innate and adaptive immune systems can favor the development of cancer progression.
As a Naturopathic physician, my treatment principles have foundations in the biochemical signalling that can generate and contribute to ongoing chronic disease and potential tumor formation. I work to assess and treat pathways of inflammation. These protocols include assessing diet and life style, suggesting herbal and nutritional formulas and utilizing principles of Naturopathic medicine to guide me in suggesting treatments for prevention and elimination of inflammation and the promotion of a balanced vs a rogue immune state in the body.