THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND BREAST CANCER DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
The immune system plays a crucial role in the development and progression of breast cancer. Immune surveillance mechanisms enable the recognition and elimination of abnormal cells, thereby preventing tumor formation. However, impairment of immune responses or tumor immune evasion mechanisms may promote cancer growth and metastasis. This study analyzes the role of immune system components, including T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and cytokines, in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Particular attention is given to the interaction between the tumor microenvironment and immune-inflammatory processes. Recent advances in immunotherapy demonstrate the potential to enhance antitumor immune responses and improve clinical treatment outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of immune status assessment in early prognosis, personalized treatment planning, and prevention of breast cancer recurrence.
References
1. Adams, S., Schmid, P., Rugo, H. S., et al. (2019). Pembrolizumab monotherapy for previously treated metastatic triple-negative breast cancer: KEYNOTE-086 study results. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 37(14), 1219–1228.
2. Denkert, C., von Minckwitz, G., Brase, J. C., et al. (2010). Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and prognosis in different subtypes of breast cancer: A pooled analysis. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28(1), 105–115.
3. Hanahan, D., & Weinberg, R. A. (2011). Hallmarks of cancer: The next generation. Cell, 144(5), 646–674.
4. Loi, S., Sirtaine, N., Piette, F., et al. (2013). Prognostic and predictive value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in a phase III randomized adjuvant breast cancer trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 31(7), 860–867.
5. Mittendorf, E. A., Philips, A. V., Meric-Bernstam, F., et al. (2014). PD-L1 expression in triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Immunology Research, 2(4), 361–370.
6. Schmid, P., Adams, S., Rugo, H. S., et al. (2018). Atezolizumab and nab-paclitaxel in advanced triple-negative breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 379, 2108–2121.
7. Emens, L. A. (2018). Breast cancer immunotherapy: facts and hopes. Clinical Cancer Research, 24(3), 511–520.
8. Salgado, R., Denkert, C., Demaria, S., et al. (2015). The evaluation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in breast cancer: Recommendations by an International TILs Working Group 2014. Annals of Oncology, 26(2), 259–271.
9. Mittal, D., Gubin, M. M., Schreiber, R. D., & Smyth, M. J. (2014). New insights into cancer immunoediting and its three component phases—elimination, equilibrium and escape. Current Opinion in Immunology, 27, 16–25.
