IL6 and breast cancer: IBC carcinoma tissues and serum are characterized by over-expression of IL-6 and the IBC animal model is characterized by high serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 compared to non-inflammatory malignant mammary cancer. tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) are well-studied components of the TME in IBC, and preclinical studies in IBC have demonstrated the importance of TAMs, which was mediated by IL-6.