Cancer Immunology: The Immune System's Response to the Presence and Progression of Cancer

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality on a global scale. It accounts for one in eight deaths worldwide.1 The number of cancer cases was estimated to be 18.1 million in 2018, with projections suggesting an increase to approximately 23.6 million by 20302 dan 29.4 million by 20403. Cancer is a genomic disorder, characterised by the accumulation of point mutations and structural genetic alterations as the disease progresses.4 These alterations eventually enable cancer cells to express cancer antigens, which the immune system recognises as non-self molecules, thereby eliciting an immune response.5 The interaction between the immune system and cancer cells is complex, spanning the entire course of cancer development, including metastasis. This intricate interaction can both suppress and promote tumour growth, a phenomenon known as 'immunoediting'.5,6 One of the cancer therapies currently being developed is immunotherapy, which includes adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).7 However, the efficacy of these therapies remains limited to certain cancer types.7 Optimising cancer treatment, particularly immunotherapy, requires a profound understanding of the interactions between the immune system and cancer cells. The study of cancer immunology is one of the most significant achievements in the history of medical science. Most research in this field has focused on the mechanisms through which the immune system eliminates cancer cells. However, understanding how cancer cells evade immune surveillance is equally crucial. This mini-review aims to summarise the integration of these two mechanisms, illustrating how the immune system responds to the presence of cancer cells within the host in a concise yet comprehensive manner, and exploring how these interactions influence cancer development and progression. ...