Cancer can cause immunosuppression through several mechanisms. Tumors can secrete certain substances that directly suppress immune function. For instance, cytokines and growth factors produced by tumors can inhibit the activity of T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for immune surveillance. Additionally, cancer can lead to a condition known as immune checkpoint dysregulation, where proteins like PD-1 and CTLA-4 are overexpressed, leading to immune evasion by the cancer cells.
