IgE deficiency and prior malignancy: results of the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

The role of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in type I hypersensitivity reactions and protection against helminthic parasites is well known.1 However, clinical observations and several epidemiological studies have also suggested a potential association between a history of atopy, total serum IgE level and risk of developing malignancy. 2-5 There are also studies that suggest a role of IgE in cancer immune surveillance, although the exact mechanisms are not completely understood. For instance, IgE antibodies have been found to be involved in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity against tumor antigens in pancreatic6 and ovarian7 cancers.

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