The Mast Cell in Breast Cancer: Friend or Foe

Dear Colleagues,

Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells that are present in all vascularized tissues and play active roles in processes and reactions relating to allergy, inflammation, and tumor. It has been observed that MCs increase in number around tumor sites and may represent a defensive barrier against further spread. Additionally, in women, breast cancer tissue contains much more histamine than normal tissue, a reaction that demonstrates how the immune system attempts to defend itself against tumor growth. MCs have a dual role in the breast adenocarcinoma process; they can act as oncogenes and be beneficial for cancer, or they can cause harm by producing cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-1, IL-4, and IL-6. In breast cancer, MCs secrete VEGF upon activation with triggers such as IL-1, substance P, and stem cell factor (SCF).

Therefore, inhibiting the production of MC compounds that promote breast cancer growth and metastasis may represent a promising approach and new therapeutic strategy that is complementary to the traditional procedures used today. We invite potential authors to submit original research articles and comprehensive reviews on the topic "the mast cell in breast cancer” for publication in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Pio Conti
Guest Editor

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• mast cells
• tumor growth
• oncogenes
• cytokines
• VEGF
• breast cancer