National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health | www.cancer.gov

NCI Home
Cancer Topics
Clinical Trials
Cancer Statistics
Research & Funding
News
About NCI
Dictionary of Cancer Terms
In English   En español
Page Options
Print This Page
Quick Links
Director's Corner
Updates from the Director

Dictionary of Cancer Terms
Cancer-related terms

NCI Drug Dictionary
Definitions, names, and links

Funding Opportunities
Research and training

NCI Publications
Order/download free booklets

Advisory Boards and Groups
Information, meetings, reports

Science Serving People
Learn more about NCI

Español
Información en español
NCI Highlights
Virtual and Standard Colonoscopy Both Accurate

NCI Responds to Hurricanes

The Nation's Investment in Cancer Research FY 2009

Cancer Trends Progress Report: 2007 Update

Past Highlights
You CAN Quit Smoking Now!
Search for
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
In English   En español

TNF

 A protein made by white blood cells in response to an antigen (substance that causes the immune system to make a specific immune response) or infection. TNF can also be made in the laboratory. It may boost a person’s immune response, and also may cause necrosis (cell death) of some types of tumor cells. TNF is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a type of cytokine. Also called tumor necrosis factor.



Previous Definitions:tissue, tissue flap reconstruction, tissue plasminogen activator, TLK286, TM
Next Definitions:TNF-bound colloidal gold, TNFerade, TNM staging system, TNP-470, tobacco

A Service of the National Cancer Institute
Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health USA.gov