Role of anti-tumorigenic cytokines in gastrointestinal cancers. (PubMed, Cytokine Growth Factor Rev)
While the literature suggests these cytokines are not as beneficial or potentially harmful as single agents, when used in GI cancer treatment as an adjuvant in combination therapies or with innovative delivery methods, there is statistically significant therapeutic efficacy with improved clinical outcomes, median survival, and tumor suppression. The applicability of anti-tumorigenic cytokines (IL-12, IL-15, IL-2, and IFN-γ) as biomarkers of diagnosis and indicators of prognosis is being recognized with emphasis on their capabilities as therapeutic targets and adjuvant therapies in GI cancers.