The three Es of cancer immunoediting: host protective versus tumor sculpting actions of immunity. Following cellular transformation and the failure of intrinsic tumor suppressor mechanisms, a developing tumor is detected by the immune system and its ultimate fate is determined by whether or not it is eliminated by the host protective actions of immunity (Elimination phase), maintained in a dormant or equilibrium state (Equilibrium phase) or escapes the extrinsic tumor suppressor actions of immunity by either becoming non-immunogenic or through the elaboration of immunosuppressive molecules and cells (Escape phase) [adapted from (3)].