Immune desert:

There is a total lack of immune response. The T cell army is not present in the vicinity of the tumour, and the tumour is not attacked.

Immune-excluded tumours:

There is an ineffective immune response. The T cell army is assembled at the site of the tumour, but unable to mount an attack through the walls – imagine the army is unable to scale the walls or cross the castle moat in order to attack effectively.

Inflamed tumours:

An active immune response is seen. The T cell army has recognised that a tumour has grown, assembled, and is ready to attack. However, there may still be some inhibitory factors that prevent the T cell army destroying all of the cancer cells.