Annexin A1: A double-edged sword as novel cancer biomarker

The occurrence, development, infiltration and metastasis of tumors are very complex processes involving the participation of many factors, some of which play a key role. Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is known as an anti-inflammatory protein. However, it has now been recognized to have a broader role beyond the inflammation, including roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. This review is intended to outline the research surrounding the pathophysiological effects of ANXA1 in tumors and its potential as a therapeutic and diagnostic agent. These studies comprehensively explore the expression changes of ANXA1 in cancer and further explore its mechanism of action in tumors, which is of great clinical significance for the early diagnosis, treatment and prognostic evaluation of tumors.