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Relationship between allergy and cancer: an overview
Delia Rittmeyer1, Axel Lorentz
1Department of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|June 23, 2012
Summary
The relationship between allergies and cancer is complex. While some allergic inflammation may promote cancer, the immune system
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Allergic diseases and malignancies represent significant global health burdens.
- A long-suspected inverse association between allergy and cancer remains undetermined.
- Existing research has not established a definitive general relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiological studies on the relationship between specific cancers and allergic diseases.
- To synthesize findings from research published between 1960 and 2011.
- To elucidate potential dual roles of allergy in cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 32 epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of research published from 1960 to 2011.
- Synthesis of data on specific cancer types and allergic conditions.
Main Results:
- Inflammatory responses in allergies can potentially promote carcinogenesis in localized areas.
- Systemic immune responses associated with allergies may enhance immunosurveillance, potentially preventing cancer.
- No consistent general association between allergy and cancer was identified across all reviewed studies.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between allergic diseases and cancer is multifaceted.
- Allergy's impact on cancer may be site-specific and dependent on immune mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to clarify the complex interactions between allergy and malignancy.
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