Allergic Reactions and Solid Tumors

The effect allergies have on cancer is complex. Immune cells associated with the allergy cascade produce anti-inflammatory, pro-inflammatory, or pleiotropic cytokines. Allergies and solid tumors may have a paradoxical relationship based on the cytokine expression and concentration. Rapid release of pro-inflammatory cytokines into the tumor microenvironment (acute allergic reaction) may stimulate the immune system to disrupt a solid tumor. Alternatively, a slow release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (chronic allergic reaction) may suppress the immune system’s ability to disrupt the tumor. This review discusses acute-allergy cancer immunotherapy wherein pro-inflammatory cytokines are rapidly released in the tumor microenvironment to inhibit formation, growth, and metastasis.