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Updated: Oct 13, 2025
12:19
Monitoring the Cancer-Immunity Cycle and Exploring Tumor Microenvironment Dynamics
Published on: June 7, 2024
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Sex, immunity, and cancer
Joseph A Pinto1, Jhajaira M Araujo2, Henry L Gómez3
1Escuela de Medicina Humana-Filial Ica, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Panamericana Sur Km. 305, 11004 Ica, Peru.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews on Cancer
|November 12, 2021
Summary
Sex significantly impacts cancer development and treatment. Understanding sex-specific differences in tumor microenvironment and immune responses is crucial for advancing cancer therapy and immunotherapy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Tumor microenvironment arises from complex tumoral and host factor interactions.
- Sex hormones influence gene circuit regulation, leading to sex-specific tumor-host interactions.
- Sexual dimorphism in immune regulation is known, with females exhibiting enhanced immunity but higher autoimmune disease incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of sex as a biomarker in cancer therapy.
- To discuss sex-specific differences in cancer susceptibility, treatment response, and outcomes.
- To underscore the emerging relevance of sex in immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sex differences in cancer.
- Analysis of sex-specific immune system regulation.
- Examination of sex-specific genetic mutations and biomarker value.
Main Results:
- Sex influences cancer susceptibility, treatment response, and clinical outcomes.
- Sex-specific differences are observed in driver gene mutations and biomarker prognostic value.
- Immunotherapy treatment results show significant sex-based variations.
Conclusions:
- Sex is a critical, previously overlooked factor in cancer therapy.
- Acknowledging sex differences is essential for personalized cancer treatment strategies.
- Further research into sex-specific mechanisms can optimize immunotherapy efficacy.
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