Malignancy risk in pediatric subjects with undetectable serum IgE

Abstract

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a key mediator in Type I hypersensitivity reactions, and may also be involved in the immune response to parasitic infections. A possible role for IgE in tumor immunosurveillance has been proposed, and IgE deficiency has been associated with an increased risk for various malignancies in adult subjects. However, the association between IgE deficiency and cancer has not been addressed in pediatric populations. We hypothesized that absent serum IgE (< 3 IU/mL) in children could be associated with a higher risk for malignancy.