However, similar to IL-6, IL-1b plays dual (and contradictory) roles in the TME: on the one hand, it enhances angiogenesis and metastasis by inducing chronic inflammation and recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and on the other, it exerts some anti-tumor effects.1,24,25 Therefore, IL-1b also plays a complex role in inflammation and cancer. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is cancer.