What does TNF-A mean in Oncology?

Tumor necrosis factor alpha

Tumor necrosis factor is a cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and is a member of a group of cytokines that stimulate the acute phase reaction. It is produced chiefly by activated macrophages, although it can be produced by many other cell types such as CD4+ lymphocytes, NK cells and neurons. The primary role of TNF is in the regulation of immune cells. TNF, being an endogenous pyrogen, is able to induce fever, apoptotic cell death, sepsis, cachexia, inflammation and to inhibit tumorigenesis and viral replication. Dysregulation of TNF production has been implicated in a variety of human diseases including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, major depression and inflammatory bowel disease. While still controversial, studies of depression and IBD are currently being linked by TNF levels. Recombinant TNF is used as an immunostimulant under the INN tasonermin. Tumor necrosis factor-α can be produced ectopically in the setting of malignancy and parallels parathyroid hormone both in causing secondary hypercalcemia and in the cancers with which excessive production is associated.

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