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Immunologic considerations of large volume radiotherapy.
Journal of the Canadian Association of Radiologists
|December 1, 1976
Summary
Cancer growth is influenced by the immune system. Immunotherapy can cause tumor regression, but radiotherapy may decrease lymphocyte function, with uncertain effects on new primary cancers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Clinical evidence suggests the immune response can modulate cancer growth.
- Immune deficiency states and immunosuppression are linked to increased cancer incidence.
- Mononuclear cell infiltration correlates with cancer prognosis, and spontaneous regression suggests an immunologic basis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate relationship between the immune system and cancer.
- To elucidate the roles of T-cells and B-cells in immune responses against cancer.
- To analyze the impact of radiotherapy on immune cells and its implications for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical evidence linking immune status to cancer.
- Identification of immune cells (T-cells, B-cells, macrophages) involved in anti-cancer responses.
- Analysis of radiotherapy effects on lymphocyte populations and function.
Main Results:
- Radiotherapy, particularly in Hodgkin's disease, can prolong lymphocyte reduction and impair cellular function.
- No correlation was found between post-treatment lymphocyte values and disease recurrence.
- The effect of radiotherapy on the incidence of new primary cancers remains uncertain, with most reports indicating no significant impact.
Conclusions:
- The immune system plays a critical role in cancer development and regression.
- Radiotherapy can suppress immune function, necessitating further research into its long-term effects.
- Understanding immune-cancer interactions is crucial for developing effective cancer immunotherapies.