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The prospects for therapy with tumour necrosis factors and their antagonists
1Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, National University of Singapore.
Abstract:
Tumour necrosis factors (TNFs) alpha and beta are capable of causing dramatic necrosis of solid tumours. TNF-alpha has undergone clinical trials as an anti-cancer drug. Finding a role for TNFs in the treatment of cancer will depend on suppressing severe side effects and targeting the drug. Conversely, due to the participation of TNFs in inflammatory responses, antagonists of TNF-alpha are being considered for the treatment of several conditions, especially septic shock.
Insights
Tumour necrosis factors (TNFs) show potential in cancer treatment by causing tumour cell death. However, managing severe side effects and targeting delivery are key challenges for effective anti-cancer drug development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tumour necrosis factors (TNFs) alpha and beta exhibit potent tumour-lysing capabilities.
- TNF-alpha has been investigated in clinical trials as a direct anti-cancer therapeutic agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of TNFs in cancer treatment.
- To address challenges related to side effects and drug targeting for TNF-based cancer therapies.
- To investigate the role of TNF antagonists in inflammatory conditions like septic shock.
Main Methods:
- Clinical trials of TNF-alpha for anti-cancer effects.
- Research into mechanisms of TNF-alpha-induced tumour necrosis.
- Studies on the role of TNFs in inflammatory pathways.
Main Results:
- TNFs demonstrate significant capacity to induce necrosis in solid tumours.
- TNF-alpha has been evaluated in clinical settings for cancer treatment.
- TNF-alpha's involvement in inflammatory responses suggests potential for antagonists in conditions like septic shock.
Conclusions:
- The clinical utility of TNFs in oncology hinges on mitigating severe side effects and improving drug targeting.
- TNF antagonists are being explored for managing inflammatory diseases, particularly septic shock, due to TNF's inflammatory role.