On the one hand, IRF1 expression in tumor cells has been demonstrated to be essential for tumor immunosurveillance by promoting NK cell attraction via chemokine secretion by tumor cells.37 On the other hand, cytokines including TNFα, IL-6 and IL-8 have been implicated in tumor progression via cancer-association inflammation, which involved the recruitment of immune cells to the tumor site where they were shown to support tumor growth.42 Further studies are required to determine the implications of the BV6-stimulated, IRF1-regulated cytokine release on tumor immunity and tumor growth. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is cancer.