Role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibition with inflixiMAB in cancer therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Curr Opin Oncol. 2000 Nov;12(6):582-7. doi: 10.1097/00001622-200011000-00011.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a central cytotoxic and proinflammatory cytokine. Research on the benefits of TNF-alpha inhibition as a form of therapy has focused almost exclusively on autoimmune, inflammatory disorders. InflixiMAB, a chimeric antibody to human TNF-alpha, was recently approved for the management of Crohn disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The potential applications of inflixiMAB in the management of cancer are just beginning to be explored. This article reviews the biology, mechanism of action, pharmacology, and toxicity of inflixiMAB. Existing clinical experience and inflixiMAB's potential role as an immunosuppressant and antitumor agent in the management of cancer are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacokinetics
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antirheumatic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab