What are the Therapeutic Implications of TNF Alpha?
Given its dual role, targeting TNF-α in cancer therapy is complex. Various strategies are being explored:
Anti-TNF Therapies: These are used to block the effects of TNF-α and are commonly employed in inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. However, their role in cancer therapy is under investigation, as inhibiting TNF-α could reduce inflammation but also potentially impair anti-tumor immunity. TNF-α as a Cancer Therapeutic: Certain approaches aim to use TNF-α directly to induce tumor cell apoptosis. For instance, TNF-α has been used in isolated limb perfusion for treating sarcoma and melanoma, showing promising results. Combination Therapies: Combining TNF-α inhibitors with other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immune checkpoint inhibitors is an area of active research. These combinations could potentially maximize anti-tumor effects while minimizing adverse outcomes.
