An In-Depth Look at Modern Cancer Immunotherapy Techniques
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in cancer immunotherapy, detailing strategies such as broad-spectrum agents, T-cell modification, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and oncolytic virus therapies. It explains how each method works to boost the immune response against tumors, offering hope for more targeted and effective cancer treatments.
Exploring Advanced Cancer Immunotherapy Methods
Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, utilizes naturally occurring or synthetically created agents to enhance the body’s immune defenses against cancer. Its primary aim is to stimulate immune responses to destroy existing tumor cells, slow down tumor progression, and prevent metastasis. The main types include:
Broad-spectrum immunotherapies
These involve substances like interleukins and interferons that activate immune cells to fight cancer, often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Interleukins are frequently used for melanoma and kidney cancers, while interferons are applied across various cancer types.
T-cell Modification Therapy
This approach involves tailoring a patient’s T-cells by adding specific receptors in the lab, making them more efficient at recognizing and attacking cancer cells. The modified T-cells are then reinfused into the patient’s bloodstream.
Vaccines, whether for prevention or treatment, expose the immune system to tumor-specific antigens to trigger an anti-cancer immune response.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatments
Drugs such as Avelumab, Nivolumab, and Pembrolizumab are lab-engineered proteins targeting particular markers on cancer cells. They assist immune recognition and attack, often by blocking immune checkpoints that suppress immune activity.
Oncolytic Virus Therapy
This technique introduces genetically modified viruses, like T-VEC, directly into tumors. These viruses selectively infect and lyse cancer cells, stimulating the immune system to target residual tumor tissue. Multiple injections are typically administered until the cancer is effectively eliminated.
