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Regression of cancer following surgery
Abstract:
Postsurgical tumor regressions are rare but well-recognized entities. The causes of such phenomena are unknown but probably are multiple. Regression of any tumor must ultimately come about by changes in the host-tumor interaction which suddenly becomes unfavorable for tumor growth. This is likely a manifestation of changes in the immunocompetence of the host. There are many variables influencing the host-tumor interaction, and the study of tumor immunology is stil in its infancy. It is through the exploration and investigation of basic mechanisms of the immunology of cancer that the most potentially fruitful associations between tumor growth or regression and surgical manipulations may be made and applied to the treatment of cancer patients.
Insights
Postsurgical tumor regression, though rare, is linked to host-tumor interactions. Understanding cancer immunology may reveal how surgery impacts tumor growth or regression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Postsurgical tumor regressions are rare but recognized phenomena.
- The underlying causes of spontaneous tumor regression after surgery are not fully understood.
- Tumor regression is fundamentally linked to shifts in the host-tumor interaction.