Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine with a central role in immune
homeostasis, inflammation and host defence. Depending on the cellular context, TNF can induce
diverse effects such as necrosis, apoptosis, differentiation, angiogenesis, cell migration and immune cell
activation. Accordingly, TNF is believed to play a significant role in tumor development and
progression; on the other side, this cytokine has potent antineoplastic activity both in experimental and
clinical models. In the present chapter we provide a particular insight in the biology of TNF,
emphasizing its tumor-related features, and discuss the experimental and clinical evidence available in
the current literature supporting anticancer as well as cancer-promoting effects. Recent findings that
may provide new alternatives to further exploit the anticancer power of TNF are also discussed.
Keywords: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), antineoplastic agent, antitumor therapy.
