LOCAL AND SYSTEMIC ANTI-TUMOR IMMUNE RESPONSE FOR BREAST CANCER IS THERE. WHY IT FAILS IN ERADICATION OF THE DISEASE?

A new model for breast cancer is needed to define the fine dynamic balance between the tumor and the host including 
various autocrine and endocrine factors which influence proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. 
Aim of the study was to measure the systemic and local anti-tumor immune response for breast cancer, to study cytokine network modification (IL-10) (anti-inflammatory) and IL-12 (pro-inflammatory) and to evaluate its correlations with other 
histopathological parameters. 
The study was done on 17 female patients with breast cancer and another control group of 10 patients. 
The patients were followed-up for two years. 
Significant correlations of studied peripheral blood immune parameters were: Natural Killer (NK) numbers, NK activity 
(NKA) and peripheral T-lymphocytes in count per minute (cpm) with tissue NK (TNK) and tissue natural Killer Activity 
(NKA). Significant correlation between NKA and IL-12, and peripheral blood T-lymphocytes with NK and tissue NK activity (T-NKA) was detected. Significant correlations between IL-10, IL-12 and the other parameters were detected. 
Significant correlation was noticed between (Local immune response): tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor 
stage, also between other studied parameters of local immune response. 
The degree of fibrosis (mechanical tumor control) was correlated negatively with the tumor grade and lymph node number. 
The disease free survival (D.F.S) was significantly related to tissue local immune response and systemic immune response 
through IL-12 modifications. Significant correlation between high levels of IL-10 with NKA and TILs was detected 
Recurrence was closely related to the number of positive axillary lymph nodes. 
On conclusion: proper function of peripheral T-lymphocytes was crucial for effective destruction of breast cancer cells. NKA was involved in breast cancer disease progression and it depended on levels of IL-12 and the antigen presenting cell (APC). 
IL-10 had a predictive role in breast cancer response and exogenous anti-IL-10 may be useful. The amount of IL-12 available was critical for tumor progression. TILs correlates with the tumor stage but failure of tumor eradication may be due to higher levels of IL-10. The mechanical arm was involved in the immune response. Disease. Free. Survival (D.F.S )was related to TNKA and SNKA through the IL-12. Lastly the discriminate factor in DFT was the TNKA.