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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Determination of the Relative Potency of an Anti-TNF Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) by Neutralizing TNF Using an In Vitro Bioanalytical Method
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

The dual role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in cancer biology

Loris Bertazza1, Simone Mocellin

  • 1Department of Oncological and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|August 18, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) exhibits anticancer properties but its role in cancer is complex. This review explores TNF

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine with established anticancer properties.
  • TNF is used clinically for treating advanced solid tumors.
  • The precise molecular mechanisms of TNF-mediated tumor regression remain unclear.
  • Conflicting evidence suggests TNF may also promote cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the molecular biology of TNF concerning its tumor-related activities.
  • To review experimental and clinical evidence on the complex relationship between TNF, cancer, and therapy.
  • To propose a model explaining TNF's dual role in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of experimental and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of molecular biology data.
  • Development of a conceptual model for TNF's dual effect.

Main Results:

  • TNF displays both antitumor and potentially tumor-promoting activities.
  • The effect of TNF appears dependent on exposure time and concentration.
  • A model is proposed to explain the dual role of TNF based on tumor microenvironment factors.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding TNF's complex role is crucial for optimizing cancer therapy.
  • Further research into TNF's molecular pathways may reveal new therapeutic strategies.
  • Exploiting TNF's anticancer potential requires careful consideration of its dual nature.

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