Term: cold tumor

Pronunciation: (kold TOO-mer)

Description:

Describes a tumor that is not likely to trigger a strong immune response. Cold tumors tend to be surrounded by cells that are able to suppress the immune response and keep T cells (a type of immune cell) from attacking the tumor cells and killing them. Cold tumors usually do not respond to immunotherapy. Most cancers of the breast, ovary, prostate, pancreas, and brain (glioblastoma) are considered cold tumors.