Objective: To explain the role of the immune system in cancer control and its response to environmental and perceived stressors.
Data sources: Review articles, research studies, and book chapters related to immunology and the immune system.
Conclusions: The immune system responds to foreign pathogens and cancer cells by activating specific and nonspecific immune responses. The goal of immunotherapy is to enhance these responses to control the growth of cancer cells. Knowledge of the influence of stress on immune and cytokine response is evolving.
Implications for nursing practice: Knowledge of the principles of immunology, the immune response to cancer, the role of cytokines in mediating immune response, and the influence of stress on immune and cytokine response will help nurses provide quality care to patients receiving biological agents.