Cancer immunology

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Cancer Immunology

Cancer immunology (pronunciation: /ˈkænsər ˌɪm.juːˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/) is a branch of immunology that studies interactions between the immune system and cancer cells (also known as tumors or malignancies).

Etymology

The term "cancer immunology" is derived from the Latin cancer meaning "crab" or "creeping ulcer" and the Greek immunis meaning "exempt", and logia meaning "study of".

Overview

Cancer immunology is based on the concept that the immune system, which normally protects the body from foreign substances, can also identify and destroy cancer cells. This field of study has led to the development of cancer immunotherapy, a treatment method that enhances the body's natural immune response against cancer.

Related Terms

  • Immune response: The body's defensive reaction to foreign substances or organisms, including cancer cells.
  • Cancer immunotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer.
  • Tumor microenvironment: The environment around a tumor, including the surrounding blood vessels, immune cells, fibroblasts, and other cells.
  • Immune checkpoint: A type of molecule that helps regulate the immune system's response to foreign substances. Some cancer cells can manipulate these checkpoints to avoid being attacked by the immune system.
  • Cytokines: A type of protein that plays an important role in cell signaling and can stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.

See Also

External links

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