TNF and colorectal carcinoma: Classic inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, activate the NF-κB and STAT3 signalling pathways, and induce the expression of genes that promote the invasion of cancer cells and angiogenesis.5 Several cytokines, especially IL-6, have been evaluated and found to be associated with survival in CRC.6 However, the association between these cytokines and outcomes was not consistent in previous reports.