[Immunology in gastric cancer]

The Immunology in Gastric Cancer has slowly advanced during the past 20 years. Specific antigens have not been obtained although in a number of cases associated antigens such as alpha FP or CEA have been detected. In advanced cases the T cell immunological competence could be altered, however, compared to colorectal cancer this alteration is less significant. Serum factors seem to play an immunomodulatory role which might influence the variable response observed among the different groups of patients. In gastric cancer it seems essential to investigate the nature of those serum factors to further dissect abnormalities of T cell function.