Cytokines in cancer therapy.

Cytokines, small biological response modifying proteins produced by hematopoietic and other cells, may one day play a significant role in the treatment of human cancer. This article presents an overview of the cytokines, including descriptions of their origins, mechanisms of action, and antitumor activities. Several classes of cytokines are discussed, including the interferons, the interleukins, and tumor necrosis factor. Several of these agents, either alone or in combination, are currently involved in clinical trials for the treatment of specific cancers. Th interaction of cytokines and monoclonal antibodies is also discussed.