Tumor treatment and cytokines.

: In summary, molecular biology and advances in biochemical and biological techniques have led to the rapid characterization of a large number of cytokines. These are released in response to injury or invasion of the body and regulate the growth and function of a broad variety of cell types. Many cytokines are now in clinical trials and show promise in modulating the defence and repair responses of the body. The direct application of these cytokines to the killing of tumor cells remains problematic. However, it does seem likely that the use of these substances in a para-physiological mode i.e. in activating defence mechanisms and in particular stimulating hemopoetins may be a very important adjunct to more conventional means of tumor therapy such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The hemopoietic growth factors show particular promise here, although other substances such as IL-1 or IL-6 may find similar applications. In the future more information on the direct role of cytokines in the development of particular tumors may lead to the development and use of cytokine antagonists with effects directed at tumor cells or their environment.