NEUROIMMUNOREGULATION AND CANCER (REVIEW)

Citation
I. Berczi et al., NEUROIMMUNOREGULATION AND CANCER (REVIEW), International journal of oncology, 13(5), 1998, pp. 1049-1060
Citations number
159
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Review
Categorie Soggetti
Oncology
ISSN journal
1019-6439
Volume
13
Issue
5
Year of publication
1998
Pages
1049 - 1060
Database
ISI
SICI code
1019-6439(1998)13:5<1049:NAC(>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
It is certain that neuroimmune mechanisms play a role in host defence against cancer. However, this interaction is highly complex and many. variations are possible according to the nature of the neoplasms invol ved. There are indications that adaptive immunity is present in a sign ificant Proportion of tumor bearing hosts, and this defence may be boo sted by specially designed vaccines and cytokines. Natural immune medi ators are also implicated in resistance against tumor development. Her e we review the evidence suggesting that hormonal manipulation of the host can result in the elevation of immune defences against cancer. Su ch manipulation strengthens both the adaptive and natural immune defen ces of the host, both of which play significant roles. Natural defence mechanisms are boosted by cytokines and hormones during febrile react ions which are now known as the acute phase response. It is suggested that hormonal stimulation of immune mechanisms coupled with the usual immunostimulants already in use may be employed to good advantage for the combination immunotherapy of cancer. Modern molecular biology appr oaches permit the development of laboratory monitoring procedures whic h may be used for the prediction and follow-up of therapeutic success.