Relationship between immunity and cancer
Published:Wednesday | October 4, 2023 | 12:05 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
CANCER IS a group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can form tumours, invade nearby tissues, and in some cases, metastasise to other parts of the body. Cancer can occur in almost any tissue or organ and may disrupt normal bodily functions.
The relationship between immunity and cancer is of significant importance for several reasons because it influences the development, progression and treatment of cancer, offering hope for more effective therapies and improved outcomes for cancer patients.
According to Dr Jermaine Nicholas, board-certified doctor of naturopathy and director at Nutriverse Natural Wellness Centre, the immune system has a natural ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. “Immune cells like T-cells and natural killer cells can recognise and eliminate cells that become cancerous. This surveillance helps prevent the development of cancer in the body,” Dr Nicholas said.
Some cancer cells, he said, can develop strategies to evade the immune system’s detection and attack. Understanding these mechanisms, he said, is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments, such as immunotherapies that help the immune system overcome these evasive tactics.
“Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment that harness the power of the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. It has shown promising results in various types of cancer and is changing the landscape of cancer therapy,” Dr Nicholas said.
Understanding the interaction between the immune system and cancer can lead to the development of preventative measures and early detection methods. It can also guide research into personalised treatment options tailored to an individual’s immune response.
Cancer can weaken the immune system by spreading into the bone marrow. The bone marrow makes blood cells that help to fight infection. This happens most often in leukaemia or lymphoma, but it can happen with other cancers, too. The cancer can stop the bone marrow from making so many blood cells.
Certain cancer treatments can temporarily weaken the immune system. This is because they can cause a drop in the number of white blood cells made in the bone marrow.
Cancer treatments that are more likely to weaken the immune system are chemotherapy, targeted cancer drugs, radiotherapy and high dose of steroids.
According to Dr Nicholas, there are challenges in immunotherapy, including resistance to treatment, autoimmune reactions and resistance to checkpoint inhibitors.
“For primary resistance, some patients do not respond to immunotherapy from the start, often due to a lack of existing immune cell infiltration within the tumour. While acquired resistance are patients who initially respond and may develop resistance over time. Cancer cells can evolve mechanisms to evade immune attack,” he said.
Activating the immune system aggressively can lead to immune-related adverse events, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Common immune- related, adverse events include skin rashes, colitis, and thyroid dysfunction.
“Cancer cells can develop new mechanisms to evade immune checkpoint inhibitors, requiring ongoing research to counteract these resistance mechanisms. Determining the ideal duration of immunotherapy to maintain a response while minimising side effects is a challenge. Identifying the best timing for incorporating immunotherapy within the overall treatment plan remains a subject of study,” Dr Nicholas said.
Dr Nicholas indicated that you can lower your risk of getting many common kinds of cancer by making healthy choices. These include eating a balance diet, limit processed foods, avoid alcohol consumption, and stay hydrated.
“Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A diet rich in diverse nutrients can help support overall health. Minimise the consumption of processed and red meats, as well as foods high in added sugars and unhealthy fats. These are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer,” Dr Nicholas said.
He said if you choose an alcoholic drink, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including breast and liver cancer. Also, drink plenty of water and avoid sugary beverages.
In the United States, it has been estimated that 35 per cent of cancer deaths are diet-related.
“Vegetables do not only provide primary nutrients, but contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Moreover, vegetables help to rid the body of toxins, and they contain disease-preventative components, which include antiacne phytochemicals. Vegetables are living food packed with enzymes, vitamins and minerals, and the consumption of raw vegetables or vegetable juices would ensure an abundant supply of these essential nutrients,” Dr Nicholas said.