Assessing the role of immune system in cancer progression from minimal residual disease

The immune system plays a major role in resisting the development and progression of cancer. Analysis of the molecular mechanisms of immune resistance to cancer has led to the formulation of several immunotherapeutic strategies. Although the immune system is portrayed in the literature as an effective tool for primary cancer control, its role in the development of recurrent tumors was relatively unexplored. It is well established that most cancers contain a subpopulation of cancer cells, that possess an inherent survival instinct which aids them to adopt a dormant state when subjected to stress [1–4].

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