Narrative review on tumor antigen-associated autoantibodies in cancer diagnosis and treatment

Tumor antigen-associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) are generated by the immune system in response to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). The underlying mechanisms of their production remain incompletely understood, yet may encompass factors such as aberrant protein expression, deficiencies in immune tolerance, the tumor inflammatory microenvironment, exosomes, and immunogenic cell death. TAAbs exert a dual effect in tumor initiation and progression, both facilitating and impeding the development of malignant tumors. They represent promising biomarkers for early tumor diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and evaluation of treatment efficacy or outcomes, thereby emerging as a current research focal point. This review initially clarifies the multidimensional mechanisms and dual functions of TAAbs in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, and subsequently explores their application prospects in tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Finally, through a summary and analysis of the current research landscape, three crucial and feasible future research directions are put forward. It should be underscored that TAAb detection is a promising adjunctive instrument for tumor diagnosis and treatment; however, it still confronts substantial challenges in clinical application and necessitates further in-depth exploration.