Human tumour immunology

Many human cancer cells appear to differ from their normal counterparts in ways that are recognisable by the immune system of the host or patient. The specificities of these differences, however, and the nature, extent and significance of the most responses to them are often not very clear. Disturbances of the immune system generally contribute little to the occurrence, progression and clinical features of common malignant diseases. The present value of immunological monitoring of cancer patients is rather limited. Immunotherapy remains an experimental mode of treatment, the results of which are often disappointing. Current studies of the host-tumour relationship in experimental animals and man suggest, however, that a wholly pessimistic view is not justified.