الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Among the consequences of established cancer, :l.mpairmen tof immune> COlllPe tence can be P~ticularly important. Lack of an appropriate immune response not only decreases resistance to infection, but may also faoilitate progressive tumour growth. Characteristic tmmunodefeoiency ’have been associated With different lympho reticul~ neoplasms which ~ise from cells that m~diate the immune response. Defects in immune func¬tion have also been associated With a varie~ of non lymphoid tumours When patients are eValuated prior to treatment. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal manipulation may further compromise the ability of oanoer patients to respond immunologiCally to diff¬erent stimuli. Analysis of the complex interaction of tumour and treatment With the host-immune response has been enoOuraged by clinioal reports which link immuno¬oompetence with a favorable prognosis and immunodeteoi_ enay With a poor prognOSis. In addition, rational intervention with thel’apy designed to augment the speoifio immune response to infectious agents or to tumours will depend Ultimately on a precise understand_ ing of immune funotion in canoer patients before and during treatment. |