In general, tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) are expressed only on malignant cells, thus providing excellent specificity for antitumor T-cell cytotoxicity, with antigen strength correlating with the level of antitumor immune response.13-17 Retrospective data of surgically resected specimens suggest a survival advantage in the minority of patients whose tumors exhibit high levels of both TSAs and CD8+ T-cell infiltrate.18 Despite this association, CD8+ T cells demonstrate decreased interferon-gamma and other activation markers, indicating other immunosuppressive factors at play.19 This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and neoplasm.