Possibilities and Problems of Immunologic Intervention in Cancer

Background for InterventionTHE possibility of altering the course of cancer by manipulation of host-defense mechanisms has for years been an attractive lure for physicians. A base of knowledge to guide rational intervention, however, has simply not existed. Much ignorance still separates us from thoughtful and effective application, but some growth in understanding of the tumor-host relation has occurred during the past few years.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 From this recent yield several principles governing this relation appear firm enough to justify adoption as a foundation for this speculative discussion of both the promise and problems of intervention.In the first place, with certain . . .