Association between pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and prognosis in cervical cancer

Abstract

Growth and progression of cervical carcinoma is dependent on a complex interaction between cervical carcinoma cells and composition of the extracellular matrix. For local progression as well as metastasizing, the extracellular matrix needs to be rearranged creating space for tumor cells to expand and angiogenesis to secure supply of nutrients and oxygen and removal of waste products. The net result of all contributing factors will lead to either progression or degradation of cervical cancer. In this thesis the role of contributing factors is investigated, e.g. cytokines, chemokines, inflammatory cells, the role of extracellular matrix and angiogenesis