<p>Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a type of malignant tumour occurring in the nasopharyngeal mucosal epithelium. This carcinoma often has no obvious symptoms in the early stages and is frequently diagnosed at mid-to-advanced stages. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that can participate in the regulation of the immune system, haematopoiesis, induction of acute phase protein secretion, and cell proliferation and differentiation of. IL-6 is a core molecule in tumour inflammation and carcinoma metastasis that promotes various tumours. This article discusses the promoting effects of IL-6 in the occurrence and development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma from the perspectives of release of pro-inflammatory factors, regulation of the tumour microenvironment, enhanced migration and invasion abilities of tumour cells and distant metastasis, and improved tumour immune evasion functions. In addition, important implications of IL-6 for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are discussed.</p>