TNF-alpha and melphalan modulate a specific group of early expressed genes in a murine melanoma model

► Melphalan (MEL) reduced mitotic rate when administered to mice bearing melanoma. ► Tnfa (TNF) improved necrosis and reduced mitotic rate in B16F10 derived tumors. ► MEL and MEL + TNF promoted tumor growth arrest and prolonged survival of mice. ► TNF induced necrosis did not translate in improved survival. ► Treatment with MEL, TNF, or MEL + TNF promoted differential expression of 118 genes.