Effect of rH tumor necrosis factor on experimental intraocular tumors

Local and systemic tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have been shown to have marked tumorcidal effect on VX2 intraocular tumors. Complete ablation or remission of the experimental ocular tumor was not achieved in doses employed. TNF is a potent immune modulator of acute and chronic inflammation. Local toxic effect of TNF to the eye was severe and occurred only in the presence of tumor. Intravitreal TNF will cause severe necrosis of the normal eye. This toxic effect was not seen when intravitreal TNF was injected into a tumor-bearing eye. Chronic perfusion and low doses of TNF in combination with other antitumor agents may be tried in future studies to avoid local and systemic toxicity.