Lymphatic System and Cancer

The cells of the immune system, like other cells, can grow uncontrollably, resulting in
cancer. Leukemias are caused by the proliferation of white blood cells, or leukocytes. The
uncontrolled growth of antibody-producing plasma cells can lead to multiple myeloma.

Therefore, the immune system is an important and indispensable system for our body.
Scientists have learned much about the immune system but certain areas remain unknown
and scientists continue to focus their studies on these areas. New technologies for
identifying individual immune cells are now aiding scientists to quickly determine which targets trigger immune responses. Improvements in microscopy are permitting the first-
ever observations of B cells, T cells, and other cells as they interact within lymph nodes and other body tissues. The combination of new technology and expanded genetic
information will undoubtedly teach us even more about how the body protects itself from
disease.