Abstract: Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligands (TRAIL) can inhibit tumour proliferation, infiltration and metastasis by specifically recognising tumour cell death receptors and inducing and initiating various apoptotic mechanisms. TRAIL is not sensitive to the treatment of digestive malignancies such as oesophageal, gastric and colorectal cancers. TRAIL can improve its anti-cancer ability by combining some small molecular compounds or by regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. However, its exact mechanism of action is not yet clear. This article reviews the research progress of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand in the treatment of digestive system tumors.

Key words: digestive system neoplasms, gastrointestinal neoplasms, drug resistance, neoplasm, apoptosis, TNF related apoptosis inducing ligand