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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
Determination of the Relative Potency of an Anti-TNF Monoclonal Antibody mAb by Neutralizing TNF Using an In Vitro Bioanalytical Method
Published on: September 16, 2017
TNF and cancer: the two sides of the coin
Simone Mocellin1, Donato Nitti
1Department of Oncological and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy. mocellins@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Despite its name, discovery history and approval as anticancer agent, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been implicated in both cancer development and progression in some preclinical models. In particular, as a central mediator of inflammation, TNF might represent one of the molecular links between chronic inflammation and the subsequent development of malignant disease. Furthermore, deregulated TNF expression within the tumor microenvironment appears to favor malignant cell tissue invasion, migration and ultimately metastasis formation. On the other side, TNF clearly possesses antitumor effects not only in preclinical models but also in the clinical setting. In order to reconcile these conflicting findings, we provide readers with an overview on the most relevant available evidence supporting anticancer as well as cancer-promoting TNF effects; on the basis of these data, we propose a model to explain the coexistence of these apparently paradoxical TNF activities.
Insights
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) paradoxically promotes and inhibits cancer. This review reconciles these effects, proposing a model for TNF's dual role in cancer development and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), despite its name and anticancer approval, is implicated in cancer development and progression.
- TNF acts as a central mediator of inflammation, potentially linking chronic inflammation to malignancy.
- Deregulation of TNF in the tumor microenvironment may promote cancer cell invasion, migration, and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for both anticancer and cancer-promoting effects of TNF.
- To propose a model explaining the paradoxical activities of TNF in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on TNF in cancer.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying TNF's dual role.
Main Results:
- TNF exhibits both antitumor properties and cancer-promoting functions.
- Evidence supports TNF's involvement in inflammation-driven carcinogenesis.
- TNF deregulation in the tumor microenvironment facilitates cancer spread.
Conclusions:
- TNF possesses a complex, dual role in cancer, acting as both an anticancer agent and a promoter of tumor progression.
- A proposed model aims to explain the coexistence of these opposing TNF activities in different cancer contexts.
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