TNF and neoplasm: Importantly, the function of macrophages in oncogenesis is also debatable (17), i.e. some macrophages, classified as classically activated macrophage M1 cells, contribute to killing malignant cells by supporting T cell-mediated anti-tumour immune responses, by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g. tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and nitric oxide; but other TAMs, alternatively activated M2 macrophages, promote proliferation of cancer cells and immunosuppression by the secretion of growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines (18).