Tumor immunology. A neurosurgical perspective. I. General concepts of tumor immunology.

Overview

In the quest for the elusive cure of human neoplasms, considerable effort has been expended over the course of the past 10 years to define the immune system as it relates to the development and evolution of cancer in man. At this time thera is ample evidence for, but incomplete of, the existence of a multifactorial immunosurveillance system that is important in the production and control of neoplasms. The framework for this system has been defined and its modification, with the development and progression of various neoplasms, has been studied with great detail. These studies have been undertaken with the hope of harnessing immune mechanisms and altering their response in favor of the host's defenses related to the evolving tumor. This paper will review the major principles and concepts that have evolved.