This book investigates the mechanisms by which the body's natural immune system combats tumor growth. It explores the cellular components and signaling pathways involved in recognizing and eliminating cancerous cells, detailing the various effector cells and their cytotoxic functions. The work synthesizes existing research to provide a comprehensive overview of the field, highlighting the challenges and potential therapeutic avenues in harnessing natural immunity for cancer treatment.

This volume is recognized as a foundational text in the study of tumor immunology, compiling critical research from the late 1970s and early 1980s. It provides a detailed scientific overview of the cellular and molecular basis of natural cell-mediated immunity against cancer. The work is primarily aimed at researchers and advanced students in immunology and oncology, offering a comprehensive synthesis of the knowledge available at the time of its publication. Its detailed examination of mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies makes it a valuable reference for understanding the historical development of the field.