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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
16:07
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
Tumour necrosis factor and cancer
1Centre for Cancer and Inflammation, Institute of Cancer, Barts, UK. Frances.balkwill@cancer.org.uk
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|April 4, 2009
Summary
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) has a dual role in cancer, initially showing anti-tumour effects but later revealing a tumour-promoting function. Understanding this paradox is key for cancer therapy development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a key inflammatory cytokine.
- Initially recognized for its potent anti-cancer effects, inducing tumour necrosis.
- A subsequent discovery revealed a paradoxical role in promoting tumour growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dual role of TNF in malignant diseases.
- To investigate whether TNF acts as a therapeutic agent or a target in cancer.
- To reconcile the conflicting observations regarding TNF's impact on cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on TNF's biological activities.
- Analysis of experimental data on TNF in cancer models.
- Evaluation of clinical trial outcomes involving TNF-based therapies.
Main Results:
- TNF exhibits context-dependent effects on cancer, acting as both an anti-tumour and pro-tumour factor.
- The specific role of TNF appears to depend on the cancer type, stage, and microenvironment.
- Clinical applications of TNF have yielded mixed results, highlighting the complexity of its function.
Conclusions:
- TNF presents a complex challenge in cancer treatment due to its dualistic nature.
- Further research is needed to precisely define TNF's role in different cancers.
- Targeting or utilizing TNF therapeutically requires careful consideration of its multifaceted functions in malignancy.
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