A phorbol ester with potential antineoplastic effects. Tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) induces maturation and differentiation of hematopoietic cell lines, including leukemic cells. This agent may induce gene expression and protein kinase C (PKC) activity. In addition to potential antineoplastic effects, TPA may exhibit tumor promoting activity. OR A substance being studied in the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Tetradecanoylphorbol acetate affects many cell actions and may cause tumor cells to die. It is a type of phorbol ester. Also called 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and TPA.