Tumor immunology: a neurosurgical perspective. II. The immunology of glial neoplasms.

The research thus far on the relation of the immune system to gliomas has shown that a glioma associated antigen does exist. Small quantities of glioma associated antibodies probably circulate within the patient's serum but there is definite evidence of depression of the cell-mediated vanguard of the immune response. This depression is caused by a blocking factor that may be present as an antigen, antibody, or antigen-antibody complex. Both active and passive immunotherapeutic techniques have been employed in a small number of patients with little success. Considerable understanding of the alteration of the immune system is necessary before a rational approach toward immunotherapy of gliomas may be undertaken. However, it is apparent that reductive therapy consisting of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy will be necessary before the immune system will be effective against the tumor burden.