Exploring Various Immunotherapy Approaches for Cancer Treatment
This article provides an overview of various immunotherapy strategies used in cancer treatment, including non-specific therapies, T-cell therapy, cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and oncolytic virus therapy. It explains how these methods harness the immune system to fight malignancies effectively, highlighting their roles and mechanisms. Understanding these approaches helps patients and caregivers grasp the evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy options. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment planning regarding immunotherapy techniques.
Exploring Various Immunotherapy Approaches for Cancer Treatment
Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, employs specially designed substances—either synthetic or naturally occurring—to enhance the body's immune defenses against cancer. Its goal is to bolster immune function so that the body can eliminate existing cancer cells, halt tumor growth, or prevent metastasis.
Four primary types of immunotherapy are used in cancer management:
Non-specific Immunotherapies
These therapies, including interleukins and interferons, stimulate immune responses to destroy cancer cells, often used alongside traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
T-cell Therapy
This approach involves modifying a patient’s T-cells in the lab to express specific receptors that target cancer cells. The engineered T-cells are expanded and reinfused into the patient to seek out and destroy malignant cells.
Cancer Vaccines
These vaccines, designed either for prevention or treatment, introduce antigens to stimulate the immune system to fight existing tumors or prevent development.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Laboratory-produced antibodies like Avelumab, Atezolizumab, and Pembrolizumab target specific cancer-associated proteins, helping the immune system recognize and attack tumors. They also block immune checkpoints that inhibit immune response, aiding in cancer control.
Oncolytic Virus Therapy
This technique uses genetically engineered viruses, such as T-VEC, injected into tumors to destroy cancer cells through immune activation. Healthy cells remain unaffected, and multiple treatments are administered until cancer eradication.
