MedicineCancer BiologyOncologyInflammationMetastasisTumor MicroenvironmentCancer ProgressionInflammatory SignalingMetastatic ColonizationMetastatic DisseminationTumor Immune MicroenvironmentTumor ImmunopathologyCancer Cell MechanicsCancer Cell MigrationInflammation-driven Tumor ProgressionInflammatory NicheNeoplastic DiseaseNeoplastic ProgressionTumor DisseminationTumor-associated Inflammation
Tumor recurrence after a prolonged disease-free interval suggests that neoplastic cells may remain dormant within the host. Activation and growth of these metastatic focuses may occur secondary to inflammation at sites distant from the primary tumor. The concept of inflammatory oncotaxis is presented as a mechanism of cancer cell attraction and facilitation of transcapillary migration into tissue spaces. Physicians should focus astutely on internal and external sites of inflammation as possible focuses for tumor recurrence in the follow-up of the cancer patient.