Immune System Series
Cancers of the Immune System

Cells of the immune system, like those of other body systems, can proliferate uncontrollably; the result is cancer. Leukemias are caused by the proliferation of white blood cells, or leukocytes. The uncontrolled growth of antibody-producing (plasma) cells can lead to multiple myeloma. Cancers of the lymphoid organs, known as lymphomas, include Hodgkin's disease. These disorders can be treated-some of them very successfully-by drugs and/or irradiation.

 

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Part One:Introduction Self and Nonself Genes and the Markers of Self The Anatomy of the Immune System The Cells and Secretions of the Immune System Lymphocytes B Cells and Antibodies T Cells and Lymphokines Natural Killer Cells Phagocytes, Granulocytes, and Their Relatives Complement Mounting an Immune Response A Billion Antibodies A Web of Idiotypes Receptors for Recognizing Antigen Immunity, Natural and Acquired Vaccines Through Biotechnology Disorders of the Immune System: Allergy Autoimmune Diseases Immune Complex Diseases Immunodeficiency Diseases Cancers of the Immune System Bone Marrow Transplants Immunology and Transplants Privileged Immunity Immunity and Cancer The Immune System and the Nervous System Frontiers in Immunology: Hybridoma Technology The SCID Mouse Genetic Engineering The Stem Cell Immunoregulation Research Glossary