A large number of studies have examined relationships between allergic diseases and cancers, inspiring the field of AllergoOncology. Clinical and epidemiological investigations have generally reported inverse associations between allergies and subsequent cancer risk. However, some exceptions have been noted. Respiratory allergies, for example, have been suggested to protect patients from developing brain tumors, while they may favor lung cancers, suggesting that allergic inflammation may both act as an inhibitor or activate tumor growth. These associations have stimulated the emergence of a new field of research that works at defining the unique immunological interface linking such diseases.

Allergy and Cancer are generic terms, including a variety of different diseases, with each presenting a multitude of biological determinants. We anticipate that an integrated systematic approach in reporting independent allergic disease specificities when deciphering associations with a specific cancer type can stimulate the discovery of innovative strategies for cancer prevention, early detection, as well as new therapeutic targets and treatment options.

Our task force aims to review modern methods to subclassify both diseases and to develop guidelines for harmonized investigations on their associations. Our long-term mission is to stimulate innovative multidisciplinary data-driven research lines, with the aim to translate these observations toward innovative treatments for cancer.

WG AllergoOncology (Basic & Clinical Immunology Section)

Chair: Aurelie Poli
Secretary: Michelle Turner