B Feinerman | PubMed Health

PubMed1979

Immunologic diagnosis of cancer.

Immunologic tests for the specific detection of tumor specific antigens would provide a method for the early detection of malignancy. Using immunodiffusion and immunofluorescent techniques it is possible to measure antigenic markers. Carcinoembryonic antigen and alpha1 fetoprotein are helpful in following treatment and prognosis of a patient. Skin tests and tests for cellular immunity help to measure the immune competence of the cancer patient.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

PubMed1978

Tumor immunology and interferon.

Host defense mechanisms against cancer depend on an intact cellular immunity system. Immunosurveillance depends on thymus lymphocytes which, when sensitized, form lymphokines. One of the important lymphokines produced by T-lymphocytes is called interferon, well known for its antiviral effects. Recent experimental evidence points also to the potential effectiveness of interferon against malignancies. Interferon and interferon-inducers have been found to alter the course of solid tumors, leukemia, sarcomas and lymphomas in experimental animals, possibly by stimulating the reticuloendothelial system to produce tumor rejection or by altering the surface of cells to change tumor and host reactions.

Animals↗