Immunology in cancer

Genetic derangements clearly play an important role in the neoplastic transformation of many, if not all, forms of human cancer. It has become equally apparent, however, that the host response to malignancy often determines the natural history of such transformed cells. Our understanding of the interaction between malignant cells and cellular effectors of the immune system, cytokines, and growth factors has greatly expanded over the past decade, providing the basis for developing specific, effective treatment. Markers for T-cell specificity, including molecular control of cytokine synthesis and T-cell receptor V alpha and V beta usage, have been developed. Transfection of cytokine genes into tumor cells and lymphocytes has provided valuable basic knowledge and a potentially important new form of treatment. This review discusses these and other important new developments in immunology and cancer research, emphasizing the complexity of the immune system and its response to cancer.