Role of the immunological environment in cancer initiation, development and progression

Abstract

The last two decades have been characterized by a substantial progress in our understanding of the role of the immune system in tumor progression. We have learned how to manipulate the immune system to generate measurable tumor-specific immune responses. On the other hand, cancer cells induce malfunctions in immunity, as they manage to escape recognition and elimination by immune cells and factors. Chronic inflammation associated with a strong immunosuppression was also found to contribute to tumor initiation, progression and metastatic process.