CXCL8 and autoimmune disease: As an inflammatory chemokine, IL-8 induces the proliferation and migration of CRC cells by promoting neutrophil chemotaxis and angiogenesis.7 IL-8 has been suggested as a diagnostic marker and a prognostic factor for CRC.8 As a cytokine associated with a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, IL-9 may have a dual role in CRC progression.9 Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes tumour angiogenesis, and is the most potent angiogenic growth factor.