In another thread (http://tinyurl.com/k2em55e) we learn that there are two camps on approaches to cancer therapy: one is for targeted therapy, the other is phenotype-oriented. But both camps seems to agree that the immune system plays a pivotal role in both etiology and therapy. How is the immune system involved in etiology and can it assist in cancer therapy?
That chronic inflammatory states are crucial components of tumor promotion and progression have been delineated. A number of cancers arise from tissue sites of inflammation and irritation. Inflammatory (and immune cells) cells parading in the microenvironment of tumors are crucial players in cancer progression; their intricate actions are integral to cellular proliferation, survival, migration and cancer spread. Signaling molecules of the innate immune system comprising selectins, chemokines and their receptors are deputed for invasion, migration and metastasis. Critical appraisal of these dynamic functions would advance new and novel therapeutic approaches to the interception of cancer development.
In the case of AIDS the reduction of T-cell populations results in numerous sequalaes including Kaposi's sarcomas. Extrinsic apoptotic pathways can be initiated by several types of leukocytes and loss of tumor surveillance will allow for neoplastic cells to proliferate with little to no inhibition from the immune system.
An interesting article relating infectious disease, cancer and inflamation with stress-induced immune dysregulation could be found here:
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11481-006-9036-0
It is known that chronic stress could compromise the immune system, which could increase the cancer incidence.
I think that the immune system is essential for adequate cancer treatment, but unfortunately most cytostatics are powerful immune-suppressors.
On the other hand, if so, one may ask the question if all experiments intended to test various cancer treatments on immuno-defficient mice are adequate?
Dear Jan,
I would never say that there are 2 or x camps to combat cancer!
Cancer is composed by a monstruous complex army of different cell types and human scientists must combat them by many angles of attack including "infantery, cavalery, tanks, planes, etc...).
Each therapy brings something and unfortunately each therapy has its own limitations.
Immune system cells are directly involved in cancer development, with "two camps" ... i.e. certain immune cells combatting cancer cells and others helping cancer cells ...
You have to consider the tumor microenvironment to have an appreciation about how these cells can help cancer.
Two promising aanticancer drugs (trabectedin and plitidepsin) are combatting the tumor microenvironment, including certain types of immune cells that help cancer cells.
You have also all the contributions of immunetherapy, as for example for melanomas.
Best regards
Robert
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