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Harnessing host immune responses to preneoplasia: promise and challenges

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Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Preneoplastic lesions are more common than clinical cancer and define a population at increased risk for the development of malignancy. Recent studies suggest that the immune system has the capacity to recognize these lesions, and enrichment of preneoplasia-specific immune effectors can be detected in the tumor bed of some preneoplastic lesions such as monoclonal gammopathies. Here, I discuss the promise and challenges of harnessing the immune response against preneoplasia. Approaches to boost the natural host response to these lesions may have a major impact on reducing net cancer burden.

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Acknowledgements

The author thanks Dr Ralph M. Steinman for critical reading of the manuscript and many helpful suggestions. This paper was supported in part by funds from the National Institutes of Health, Dana Foundation, Irma T. Hirschl Foundation, Irene Diamond Foundation, Fund to Cure Myeloma, and Damon Runyon Cancer Research Fund.

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  1. Hematology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Madhav V. Dhodapkar

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Correspondence to Madhav V. Dhodapkar.

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Dhodapkar, M.V. Harnessing host immune responses to preneoplasia: promise and challenges. Cancer Immunol Immunother 54, 409–413 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-004-0607-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-004-0607-8

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