I'm not sure if any of this will help you... but its all I have. I found a link that may be more helpful and will post it below in source.
First attempts of cancer immunotherapy were made approximately 100 years ago on the assumption that tumor cells are recognized as 'foreign' by the immune system. Later on, a whole series of experimental animal tumor models were developed. They included the use of syngeneic tumors, spontaneously arising tumors and human tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice. The experimental data contributed to our understanding of the interaction between immunocompetent cells and their products on the one hand and tumor cells on the other. On this basis, various immunotherapeutic protocols have been devised which included the use of 'nonspecific' components such as bacterial adjuvants, cytokines, NK cells and macrophages and attempts were made to raise specific T and B cell responses against tumor cells. Many human tumor-associated antigens have been characterized, and various ways of increasing the immunogenicity of human tumor cells have been described. Moreover, more insight has been achieved in defining 'high risk' populations on the basis of genetic background, the role of environmental factors and the characterization of 'precancerous' cells. Some cancer vaccines have been used in clinical trials which have resulted in partially beneficial therapeutic effects but have not provided a full solution for a rational use of immunotherapy against human neoplasia.
Oldest descriptions of cancer
Cancer has afflicted humans throughout recorded history. It is no surprise that from the dawn of history people have written about cancer. Some of the earliest evidence of cancer is found among fossilized bone tumors, human mummies in ancient Egypt, and ancient manuscripts. Bone remains of mummies have revealed growths suggestive of the bone cancer, osteosarcoma. In other cases, bony skull destruction as seen in cancer of the head and neck has been found.
Our oldest description of cancer (although the term cancer was not used) was discovered in Egypt and dates back to approximately 1600 B.C. The Edwin Smith Papyrus, or writing, describes 8 cases of tumors or ulcers of the breast that were treated by cauterization, with a tool called "the fire drill." The writing says about the disease, "There is no treatment."
"History of Oncology"
Jean Astruc and chemist Bernard, two 18th century physicians conducted research to confirm or disprove then current theories related to the origin of cancer. These efforts were the very first steps of experimental oncology. The art and science of seeking better diagnosis, treatments and understanding of the causes of cancer evolved from many who followed their path. In 1761, Giovanni Morgagni of Padua was the first to do an autopsy to look for the pathological findings in a patient after death. This and the efforts of many great physicians who followed them laid the foundation for scientific oncology, the study of cancer. John Hunter (1728-1793), a famous Scottish surgeon suggested that some cancers might be cured by surgery and described methods by which we can distinguish the surgically removable tumors. He suggested that, if tumor has not encroached to the nearby tissue and was still moveable, "There is no impropriety in removing it."
EDIT* onc/o (ong ko) is another word element that means tumor = onco