TNF and neoplasm: The tumor microenvironment is a complex system of both cellular and subcellular components with reciprocal signaling that contributes critically to the carcinogenic process.4 The inflammatory microenvironment is a key component of tumors.5 In the inflammatory environment, activated immune cells are capable of producing factors such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 that induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT).6, 7, 8 These characteristics suggest that inflammation has an important role in tumor EMT.9