BIOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF TUMOR IMMUNITY

Aneesa Fatima (BSc MLT)*, S.K Aggarwal (PhD Biochemistry) and Rajesh Pandey (MD Biochemistry)

ABSTRACT

The immune system is an important determinant of the tumor microenvironment. Indeed, the complex interplay between cancer cells and the host immune response has been extensively investigated. The immuno-editing theory suggests that the immune system is able to recognize and eradicate subclinical tumors, but at some point equilibrium is reached and the tumor remains in situ, in a state of balance with a partially efficacious response. Despite the recognition of distinct phases in cancer immune surveillance, clinically, single agent efficacy of most cancer vaccines is less obvious, with objective clinical responses rarely detected. The limited success of cancer immunotherapy to date is multifactorial. Future research is likely to have realistic implications in immune-based multifaceted anticancer therapy.

Keywords: Cancer, Surveillance, Tumor, Immunity, Therapy.