Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking cancer treatment that enhances the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy helps the immune system identify and attack cancer more effectively. This approach has shown promising results in treating various types of cancer, offering new hope for patients.
The immune system naturally protects the body from harmful invaders, including bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells. However, cancer cells can evade immune detection by disguising themselves as normal cells or suppressing immune responses. Immunotherapy works by:
There are several types of immunotherapy used in cancer treatment, each working in different ways:
Cancer cells can use checkpoint proteins to prevent immune cells from attacking them. Checkpoint inhibitors block these proteins, allowing the immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells.
These lab-made antibodies attach to cancer cell proteins, marking them for destruction by the immune system.
A highly advanced treatment where a patient’s immune cells (T cells) are genetically modified in a lab to recognize and attack cancer cells before being reintroduced into the body.
Unlike traditional vaccines, cancer vaccines help the immune system recognize cancer-related proteins and mount an attack.
These are immune system proteins that boost the body's natural defenses against cancer.
Immunotherapy can be given in several ways depending on the type of treatment and the patient’s specific needs:
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment due to its unique benefits:
Despite its benefits, immunotherapy can cause some side effects due to immune system activation, including:
Research in immunotherapy is rapidly advancing, with scientists developing more targeted and effective treatments.
Immunotherapy represents a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients worldwide. By harnessing the power of the immune system, it provides a more targeted and long-lasting approach compared to traditional therapies.
