Identifying linking mechanisms of allergy and cancer

Anahita Ghazaghi,1 Seyed ali ebrahimi,2 Leila iravani,3 Sahar shahtahmasebi,4 Mohammedreza khakzaad,5,*

1. School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University ,Mashhad,Iran
2. School of Medicine, Student research committee, Islamic Azad University ,Mashhad,Iran
3. School of Paramedicine, Islamic Azad University ,Mashhad,Iran
4. College of Paramedicine Science ,Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran
5. Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, iran

Abstract

Introduction

Allergy and cancer are prevalent diseases and cause a lot of morbidity and mortality. in recent years, many studies have suggested an association between allergy and cancer development. however most of the findings are inconsistent and controversial.

Methods

Article searches were conducted using pubmed and scopus databases to identify articles that explored a possible link between allergy and cancer. in this narrative overview we investigated the role of mediators such as tgf β, ige and immune system cells like th2 and mast cell in allergy and cancer. then, we discussed epidemiological studies supporting or contradicting each mechanism.

Results

There are two main hypotheses, on the one hand, allergies are accompanied by inflammatory reactions which lead to an optimal environment for carcinogenesis. this can explain a positive association. on the other hand, immune surveillance conditions as a result of hyper activation of immune system in allergic person may exert an extra protection against cancer development.

Conclusion

Although these hypotheses can explain controversies in epidemiological studies, due to complex interactions exact mechanisms are not yet elucidated and need further investigations. it seems that the same relationship between all types of allergies and cancers cannot be suggested. indeed the interaction of different mechanisms in variety of allergies and cancers, determines the exact relationship.

Keywords

Cancer, allergy, immune system