More tools to uncover cancer cells

Abstract

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs)—proteins often overexpressed in cancer cells— represent a landmark discovery in cancer immunology. The immune system’s ability to target TAAs is crucial for early cancer detection (via biomarkers), assessing disease progression, determining prognosis, and high-accuracy monitoring. TAAs are essential in cancer immunotherapy. A seminal contribution in this field was made by van der Bruggen and colleagues, with “MAGE” (melanoma antigen).