Anti-tumor action of tumor necrosis factor against Bomirski Ab melanoma in hamsters

INTRODUCTION: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine able to exert anti-tumor activity in various models and modes of applications. However, the exact mechanism mediating the in vivo anti-tumor effect of TNF has not yet been clarified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of intratumoral injection of rat TNF into hamsters bearing Bomirski Ab amelanotic melanoma, a fast growing tumor of high metastatic potential, were tested. Subcutaneous injections of the anti-angiogenic compound TNP-470 allowed analysis of its influence on the effects of TNF administration. RESULTS: TNF application resulted in a significant inhibition of tumor growth and changes in metastasis pattern. Accelerated hemorrhagic necrosis was also observed, indicating the effect of the cytokine on tumor vessels. Moreover, the synergistic anti-tumor effect of TNF and anti-angiogenic agent TNP-470 suggested a cooperative activity of both substances on tumor vasculature. Microscopically, the effect of TNF injections was expressed by an increase in the amount of tumor cells with nuclear pyknosis and karryorrhexis. In vitro assays indicated a direct cytotoxic effect of TNF against Ab melanoma cells, most probably as an outcome of apoptosis. Intratumoral application of TNF also caused some modulation of cytokine response in melanoma-bearing hamsters as evidenced by increased levels of IL-6 in blood serum. CONCLUSIONS: This study established Bomirski Ab melanoma as a useful model for complex analysis of the anti-tumor activity of TNF.