IL6 and neoplasm: Increased neutrophil and monocyte levels have been associated with the facilitation of tumor proliferation and angiogenesis, predominantly mediated by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) and angiogenic growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [12,13].