TNF-alpha in promotion and progression of cancer.
Tumour necrosis factor alpha is a member of the TNF/TNFR cytokine superfamily. In common with other family members, TNF-alpha is involved in maintenance and homeostasis of the immune system, inflammation and host defence. However, there is a 'dark side' to this powerful cytokine; it is now clear that, especially in middle and old age, TNF-alpha is involved in pathological processes such as chronic inflammation, autoimmunity and, in apparent contradiction to its name, malignant disease. This article will discuss the involvement of TNF-alpha in the inflammatory network that contributes to all stages of the malignant process, and consider the possibility that TNF-alpha may be a target for cancer therapy.
Balkwill
Frances
F
Institute of Cancer and the CR-UK Clinical Centre, Barts and The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, 3rd Floor, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK. frances.balkwill@cancer.org.uk
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000502:physiology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha