The impact of breast cancer on systemic immunity

Abstract

Breast cancer significantly influences systemic immunity, presenting challenges and opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This review explores the multifaceted interactions between breast cancer and the immune system, highlighting mechanisms of immune suppression, evasion, and modulation employed by cancer cells. We discuss the role of chronic inflammation in cancer progression, the alterations in the tumor microenvironment that favor tumor growth while inhibiting effective immune responses, and the impact of conventional treatments on immune function. Special attention is given to the exploitation of immune checkpoint pathways by breast cancer cells, which leads to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors as a promising treatment strategy. Furthermore, we examine the complex process of metastasis and its implications for immune surveillance and response. Understanding these interactions is crucial for advancing the development of immunotherapies that aim to enhance the immune system's ability to combat breast cancer, thereby opening new avenues for improving patient outcomes.