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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo
Published on: July 20, 2019
TNF: a master switch for inflammation to cancer
Gautam Sethi1, Bokyung Sung, Bharat B Aggarwal
1Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Summary
Chronic inflammation is linked to cancer development. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a key mediator, promoting tumor growth and metastasis, establishing a critical link between inflammation and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The association between chronic inflammation and cancer has been recognized for over a century.
- Recent research highlights the critical role of inflammation in cancer development.
- Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a major inflammatory mediator with complex roles in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate link between chronic inflammation and cancer.
- To elucidate the role of Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) as a master regulator in tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating inflammation and cancer.
- Analysis of the molecular mechanisms of TNF-alpha in cancer progression.
- Synthesis of evidence linking TNF-alpha to various stages of tumorigenesis.
Main Results:
- TNF-alpha, initially noted for antitumor effects, is now understood as a significant mediator of inflammation.
- TNF-alpha is induced by pathogens and orchestrates inflammatory responses through mediators and proteases.
- Tumor-derived TNF-alpha acts as an endogenous tumor promoter, influencing cellular transformation, survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- TNF-alpha plays a pivotal role in linking inflammation to cancer.
- Understanding TNF-alpha's function is crucial for targeting inflammation in cancer therapy.
- Further research into TNF-alpha's mechanisms can reveal novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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