AllergoOncology: Is ultra-low IgE a potential novel biomarker in cancer?
A position paper of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical
Immunology (EAACI)
Abstract
Elevated serum IgE levels are associated with allergic disorders,
parasitosis and specific immunologic abnormalities. In addition,
epidemiological and mechanistic evidence indicates an association
between IgE-mediated immune surveillance and protection from tumour
growth. Intriguingly, recent studies reveal a correlation between IgE
deficiency and increased malignancy risk. This is the first review
focusing on IgE levels and links to pathological conditions, with
special focus on the potential clinical significance of ultra-low serum
IgE levels and risk of malignancy. In this Position Paper we discuss: a)
the utility of measuring total IgE levels in the management of
allergies, parasitosis, and immunodeficiencies, b) factors that may
influence serum IgE levels, c) IgE as a marker of different disorders,
and d) the relationship between ultra-low IgE levels and malignancy
susceptibility. While elevated serum IgE is generally associated with
allergic/atopic conditions, very low or absent IgE may hamper
anti-tumour surveillance, indicating the importance of a balanced
IgE-mediated immune function. Ultra-low IgE may prove to be an
unexpected biomarker for cancer risk. Nevertheless, given the early
stage of investigations conducted mostly in cohort of patients with
diseases that influence IgE levels, in-depth mechanistic studies and
stratification of malignancy risk based on associated demographic,
immunological and clinical co-factors are warranted.