What is the relationship between monocytes and cancer? The answer is that some of these cells, the monocytes, play a major role in promoting the development of tumors.
These cells may be called "bad" cells because they have the tendency to proliferate when not stimulated by a specific signal, such as an antigen or chemical stimulus. When there is no stimulus, the cells go dormant and then multiply to form tumors.
The growth of cancer cells is dependent on what is known as a tumor suppressor. This is a type of molecule that prevents the monocytes from multiplying and promotes the growth of new cells that destroy or remove tumor cells.
It is interesting to note that the tumor suppressor is very similar to the blood-borne proteins that our immune system produces. In fact, one of the substances produced by the immune system is the cancer-fighting T-cells. Monocytes are present in our blood, but they do not contribute to the growth of tumors, nor do they participate in the elimination of tumors. They simply allow the body to keep itself in balance by removing tumor cells.
Monocytes, the inflammatory cells, are known to increase when a person has an infection. They help to kill bacteria and fungi. They may also contribute to the promotion of tumors by releasing chemicals into the blood stream.
Monocytes are involved in both the treatment and prevention of many forms of cancer. Many experts believe that altering the balance of monocytes and the immune system can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of many types of cancer.
Monocytes also play a critical role in eliminating other harmful pathogens and viruses that invade the skin. They are known to be able to detect and destroy bacteria, viruses and fungi. Hence, monocytes play an important role in maintaining good skin health.
When the immune system is compromised, a lot can happen. Some are associated with many different types of cancer, including multiple myeloma, breast cancer, lymphoma, and colorectal cancer. Some of these factors can also increase your risk of contracting certain types of cancer.
Hence, it is important to control the immune system in people who have received any type of cancer treatment, as well as in people at risk of developing various types of cancer. In some cases monitoring a person's immune system may be more important than the tumor itself.
People with more advanced tumors may have higher monocyte concentrations. People who have received radiation therapy are at particular risk. It is important to keep an eye on these monocytes because these cells help protect the body from invading bacteria and viruses that may be present.
Lymph node lymphoma may be linked to monocytes. Therefore, it is important to monitor the levels of monocytes in patients that are experiencing problems with their lymph nodes or those who are diagnosed with lymph node lymphoma.
Individuals who have had radiation therapy should always be monitored for this factor. There are several tests that are used to monitor the levels of monocytes in these individuals. One is a test called a quantitative PCR test. These tests are not available for individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
The other test is called a qualitative PCR test. This test involves the use of a variety of cell-free DNA samples. The test measures the total number of monocytes that are found. As the patient ages, the levels of monocytes will increase, causing a change in the numbers of monocytes.