37. 2006 年报告附件 D 讨论了辐射借以引发免疫系统变化的一些可能机制和这些机制在促进或控制癌症方面的作用。免疫系统能够清除可能会形成肿瘤的异常细胞。对于癌症是否由免疫系统缺陷引起，目前还不清楚。但免疫机能障碍与若干类型的人类肿瘤有关。了解电离辐射与免疫系统之间的相互作用可能会为癌症预防和治疗开辟新的途径。
37. Annex D to the 2006 report discusses some possible mechanisms by which radiation can induce alterations in the immune system and their role in the promotion and control of cancer. The immune system is able to remove aberrant cells that are potentially capable of forming tumours. It is unclear whether cancer results from a deficiency of the immune system. Immune dysfunction, however, has been associated with several types of human tumour. Understanding the interactions of ionizing radiation with the immune system may open new possibilities for cancer prevention and treatment.