 Inflammation is the body's natural response to external or internal threats, such as injury or infection. It can be beneficial for healing and repairing damaged tissue, but it can also lead to tumor growth and progression if not properly regulated. New research using proteomics technology has identified several cytokine and angiogenic factor profiles in patients with cancer, which may provide insight into how tumors become more aggressive and spread. This includes increased levels of Illinois 6, Illinois 1-beta, TNF, and Illinois 10, as well as upregulation of VEGF, FGF2, Illinois 8, Illinois 2, and GMCSF. These molecules are all involved in tumor progression and aggressiveness, and may also play a role in generating disease-associated pain. This article was authored by Rodo Albilescu, Elena Kodrici, Honola Daniela Popescu, and others.