title: Introduction to the role of the immune system in melanoma.
abstract: The concept of immunosurveillance of cancer has been widely accepted for many years, but only recently have the precise mechanisms of tumor-host immune interactions been revealed. Inflammatory and immune reactions play a role in melanomagenesis, and may contribute to the eradication of tumor as well as potentiating its growth and proliferation. Studies of the role of tumor-immune system interactions are providing insights into the pathogenesis and opportunities for highly effective therapeutic strategies. Some patients, even with advanced disease, are now cured with immunotherapy, and increasing numbers of such cures are likely in future.
authors.affiliation: Medical Oncology, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington, 825 Eastlake Avenue E, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. Electronic address: kmargoli@seattlecca.org.
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Margolin
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology*; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D018448:Models, Immunological; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment / Q000276:immunology
keywords: Acute and chronic inflammation; Immune system; Melanoma; Metastasis; Microenvironment; Molecular biology; Radiation