Lymph Nodes: Key to Advancing Cancer Immunotherapy and Treatment Strategies

Recent research suggests that removing lymph nodes during cancer surgery may weaken the body's long-term immune response, challenging the traditional approach of extensive lymph node removal. While lymph nodes are crucial for staging and preventing cancer spread, they also play an active role in immune defense, especially in supporting immune cells like CD8 positive T cells. New findings advocate for more personalized, targeted surgeries that preserve immune hubs, potentially improving long-term outcomes and immune health, though the practice remains complex and context-dependent.