tumor escape
The ability of cancer cells to evade immune surveillance or therapeutic intervention through genetic, epigenetic, or microenvironmental changes.
Full Definition
Tumor escape refers to the various mechanisms by which cancer cells evade elimination by the immune system or resist therapeutic intervention. Immune escape mechanisms include downregulation of antigen presentation machinery, loss of tumor-associated antigens, upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules, and recruitment of immunosuppressive cells. Therapeutic escape involves the development of resistance mechanisms that allow tumors to survive treatment pressure. Escape can be facilitated by tumor heterogeneity, clonal evolution, and the selection of resistant subclones during treatment. Understanding tumor escape mechanisms is crucial for developing combination therapies and overcoming resistance. Strategies to prevent or overcome escape include checkpoint inhibitor combinations, adoptive cell therapy, and targeting escape pathways directly.
Usage
Usage note: Often used with 'mechanism' or in context of immune or therapeutic escape; distinguish from metastasis.
In Context
- "Tumor escape mechanisms included loss of MHC class I expression and increased PD-L1 upregulation." — Immunotherapy resistance analysis
- "The combination therapy was designed to prevent tumor escape through multiple pathway inhibition." — Treatment protocol