Immunotherapy and human tumor immunology.

Area of Science:

• Oncology and Immunology
• Tumor Immunology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Overview of current knowledge on immune responses to human tumors.
• Examination of cancer's impact on immune system functions.
• Re-evaluation of cell-mediated immunity against tumor antigens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and update understanding of tumor immunology in humans.
• To assess preliminary immunotherapy approaches.
• To report initial findings on pharmacoimmunologic agents.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on tumor immunology.
• Application of sensitive methods for antibody detection.
• Assessment of immunoadjuvants like BCG and Corynebacterium parvum.

Main Results:

• Cell-mediated immunity may be stage-dependent in tumor growth.
• Evidence for humoral immune responses to tumor-associated antigens is increasing.
• Preliminary data on pharmacoimmunologic agents are reported.

Conclusions:

• Tumor immunology is a rapidly evolving field.
• Further controlled clinical trials are essential.
• Value and indications for immunotherapy require establishment.