Bridging the divide: unveiling mutual immunological pathways of cancer and pregnancy.

The juxtaposition of two seemingly disparate physiological phenomena within the human body-namely, cancer and pregnancy-may offer profound insights into the intricate interplay between malignancies and the immune system. Recent investigations have unveiled striking similarities between the pivotal processes underpinning fetal implantation and successful gestation and those governing tumor initiation and progression. Notably, a confluence of features has emerged, underscoring parallels between the microenvironment of tumors and the maternal-fetal interface. These shared attributes encompass establishing vascular networks, cellular mobilization, recruitment of auxiliary tissue components to facilitate continued growth, and, most significantly, the orchestration of immune-suppressive mechanisms.Our particular focus herein centers on the phenomenon of immune suppression and its protective utility in both of these contexts. In the context of pregnancy, immune suppression assumes a paramount role in shielding the semi-allogeneic fetus from the potentially hostile immune responses of the maternal host. In stark contrast, in the milieu of cancer, this very same immunological suppression fosters the transformation of the tumor microenvironment into a sanctuary personalized for the neoplastic cells.Thus, the striking parallels between the immunosuppressive strategies deployed during pregnancy and those co-opted by malignancies offer a tantalizing reservoir of insights. These insights promise to inform novel avenues in the realm of cancer immunotherapy. By harnessing our understanding of the immunological events that detrimentally impact fetal development, a knowledge grounded in the context of conditions such as preeclampsia or miscarriage, we may uncover innovative immunotherapeutic strategies to combat cancer.

Regresión parcial de un melanoma primitivo en embarazada: respuesta inmunológica local y general a distintos antígenos / Partial remission of a primitive melanoma during pregnancy: local and general inmunological response to different antigens

Se plantea el caso de una paciente portadora de un melanoma extensivo superficial, el cual sufre una regresión parcial espontánea durante el embarazo. Se dan a conocer los resultados de los estudios histopatológicos de la lesión y la aplicación de distintos antígenos en forma intradérmica, localmente alrededor del tumor y a distancia. Estos últimos resultados demostraron que la hipersensibilidad local fue diferente a la hipersensibilidad general a dichos antígenos. Se completó el estudio con el examen histopatológico de las intradermorreacciones positivas. Se efectúa una breve reseña de los datos que la bibliografía nacional y extranjera refiere en cuanto a la regresión espontánea del M.M. y su vinculación con el embarazo, con especial referencia a la posible intervención de fenómenos inmunológicos. Se insiste sobre las dudas que aún impiden clarificar estos fenómenos evolutivos del M.M. durante la influencia hormonal de un embarazo y se aconseja dirigir las futuras investigaciones hacia este terreno inmunológico, que no dudamos podrá llevarnos a enunciar pautas más definitivas que controlen la evolución biológica del M.M