Inflammation as a target in prostate cancer

Epidemiological studies have implicated chronic infections and inflammation as major risk factors for a variety of human cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that chronic inflammation is important for the development of prostate cancer and foci of inflammation (i.e., lymphocytes and macrophages) and is extremely common in the prostate. Multiple mechanisms have been investigated in studies examining the role of inflammation in prostate cancer initiation and development. In this chapter, we review the current state of thinking on the causes of prostatic inflammation, inflammatory genes potentially involved in prostatic inflammation and carcinogenesis, and the role of inflammation in the development of prostate cancer. An understanding of the role of chronic inflammation in the development of prostate cancer will provide new therapeutic strategies to combat the disease.