Immunosuppression-Associated Oncogenesis: A Systematic Review of Mechanisms, Risks, and Therapeutic Implications

The link between immunosuppression and cancer formation constitutes a vital but inadequately explored area where immune system failure and tumorigenesis converge, bearing importance for both patient care and scientific investigation. This systematic review consolidates existing understanding of the mechanisms, risks, and therapeutic difficulties associated with immunosuppression in cancer, covering five critical aspects: the function of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment, viral oncogenesis, the interaction between immunosuppression and cancer treatment, cellular and molecular processes, and cancer epidemiology in immunocompromised groups. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to uncover patterns, gaps, and emerging trends, with particular attention to the role of immune evasion in promoting tumorigenesis and affecting therapeutic results. The results indicate chronic immunosuppression fosters a conducive setting for cancer development, chiefly by weakening immune monitoring and sustaining viral infections, while altering reactions to standard and immune-based treatments. Importantly, the tumor microenvironment displays dynamic interplay between immune cells and cancer cells, frequently resulting in resistance to therapy. Clinical evidence further underscores the increased cancer risk among immunosuppressed individuals, which calls for customized monitoring and preventive measures. This review, which merges mechanistic insights with clinical observations, highlights the necessity for innovative therapeutic strategies that balance immunosuppression and potent anticancer immune responses. Analyzing current evidence not only elucidates disease mechanisms but also guides upcoming studies and medical applications, highlighting the twofold difficulty of controlling immune suppression and reducing its cancer-causing effects.