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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Mouse Tumor Model of Surgical Stress to Explore the Mechanisms of Postoperative Immunosuppression and Evaluate Novel Perioperative Immunotherapies

A Mouse Tumor Model of Surgical Stress to Explore the Mechanisms of Postoperative Immunosuppression and Evaluate Novel Perioperative Immunotherapies

Published on: March 12, 2014

Breast cancer surgery-induced immunomodulation.

Martijn F Boomsma¹, Bert Garssen, Edith Slot

¹Helen Dowling Institute, Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Journal of Surgical Oncology

|August 3, 2010

Summary

Breast cancer surgery significantly impacts the immune system, causing inflammation and immunosuppression. Hormonal changes, specifically cortisol, do not appear to mediate this immunomodulation following the procedure.

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Published on: May 17, 2024

Area of Science:

Oncology
Immunology
Endocrinology

Background:

Surgical procedures can lead to tumor cell dissemination.
Surgery often results in a state of immunosuppression, despite immune activity.
Understanding these effects is crucial for managing breast cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the hormonal and immunological alterations following breast cancer surgery.
To investigate the relationship between surgical stress and immune response.

Main Methods:

Assessed endocrine and immune responses in 27 breast cancer patients.
Collected blood samples pre- and post-surgery (2 hr, 1 day, 5 days).
Analyzed endocrine function, leukocyte populations, immune expression, activity, and cytokine levels.

Main Results:

Breast cancer surgery induced a pro-inflammatory response and increased white blood cell count (leukocytosis).
Immunosuppression was evidenced by reduced HLA-DR expression, decreased natural killer cell activity (NKCA), and a shift towards a Th2 immune response.
A delayed Th1 response was observed 5 days post-surgery.
No significant changes in cortisol levels were detected, ruling it out as a mediator.

Conclusions:

Breast cancer surgery, even when considered minor, triggers significant immunomodulation.
The study highlights a complex interplay between surgery, hormones, and the immune system in breast cancer patients.