Wonders of Immune System: Spontaneous Regression of Cancers
Abstract
Cancer incidence is increasing worldwide [1]. It can affect any part of the body, showing symptoms often in late stages. Diagnosis of cancer has a huge impact on patient and his/her family. Cancer treatments are costly and toxic, many times giving rise to secondary cancers. Even after successful treatment, risk of recurrence of cancer is significant sometimes.
However, cancer is not always progressive. It was observed that when an invasive breast cancer is detected in screening, sometimes it regresses spontaneously [2]. There are many tumor-suppressor genes, which prevents a cell from becoming cancerous. There are also some proteins, known as metastasis suppressors, which inhibit metastasis (spread of cancer). This suggests that human immune system can combat cancer and sometimes, can eradicate it completely.
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