The role of cytokines in oncology

Abstract

The availability of sufficient quantities of recombinant human cytokines and promising preclinical data have led to their introduction into clinical trials. Cytokines have potential as new therapeutic agents in a variety of hematological disorders as well as in solid tumors. Only a few of the still increasing number of these glycoprotein hormones have been studied in humans so far, either as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy and other cytokines. Their clinical effects, beneficial role in supportive care, and use in the treatment of certain cancer patients are reviewed.

Cytokine Technology in Basic and Applied Research on the Hematopoietic System

“…Finally, recent work has shown that certain physiological molecules like a2-macroglobulin and uromodulin may act as either scavengers or transport molecules for cytokines (13 (14,28). However, this milieu is exceedingly complex, and despite decades of research the role of cytokines in hematopoiesis remains largely uncharacterized (9 (18).…”