Immunologic Concepts and Their Potential Role in Cancer Therapy

Abstract

The immune response to tumor antigens is complex. The effect on the tumor is the result of tumor destruction mediated by lymphocytes and possibly cytotoxic antibody on the one hand and negation of these effects by blocking antibody on the other. The immune response may not halt tumor growth if the tumor is of low antigenicity, if the immune system is inadequate, or if large amounts of blocking antibody are generated early in the response.