Immunological aspects of cancer.

Immunology occupies a central role in the area of cancer, both in research and clinical practice. This article first reviews normal immunity and describes the interaction of the cancer cell with cellular and humoral immune mechanisms. Such mechanisms play a considerable role in the emergence, proliferation, metastases, regression and recurrence of tumours. Immunological investigations are applicable to the diagnosis of some forms of cancer, especially leukaemias, lymphomas and myelomas as well as analysing the immune status of patients suffering from cancer, which give significant guidelines with respect to prognosis. Manipulation of immune response in the form of immunotherapy is emerging as an important area in cancer therapy.