The complex role of IL-37 in cancer pathogenesis: exploring its influence on hallmarks of cancer

Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is a cytokine primarily known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but its role in cancer pathogenesis reveals a complex and multifaceted influence. This review explores IL-37's diverse effects on fundamental hallmarks of cancer, such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and interactions with the immune system. We discuss how IL-37 can modulate these processes in different contexts-sometimes impeding tumor growth and other times facilitating it-depending on factors including the tumor type, stage, and surrounding microenvironment. The dual nature of IL-37's influence underscores its potential as both a therapeutic target and a biomarker for cancer progression, which remain to be validated in prospective clinical studies. By integrating recent findings, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of IL-37's contributions to cancer biology, offering insights into its possible future applications in personalized cancer treatment strategies and enhancing our ability to tailor interventions based on the specific roles of IL-37 in individual cancers.