This article explores modern immunotherapy approaches for cancer, including non-specific treatments like interleukins and interferons, T-cell engineering, cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and oncolytic virus therapies. Each method aims to boost the immune system's ability to combat tumors, providing innovative options for cancer management and treatment improvement.

Advances in Immunotherapy Strategies for Cancer Treatment

Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, utilizes specially designed agents—either synthetic or naturally derived—to strengthen the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Its aim is to enhance immune responses to eradicate tumor cells, inhibit tumor progression, or prevent the spread of cancer.

There are four main immunotherapy approaches in oncology:

Non-specific Immunotherapies
This category includes agents like interleukins and interferons that boost immune activity to attack cancer cells, often used alongside standard treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Interleukins are mainly applied in melanoma and kidney cancers, whereas interferons have broader applications across various tumor types.

T-cell Engineering
This method involves modifying a patient’s T-cells in the laboratory to express specific receptors targeting cancer cells. These engineered T-cells are expanded and reintroduced into the patient to seek out and eliminate malignant cells.

Cancer Vaccines
These vaccines, designed for prevention or therapy, introduce tumor antigens to activate the immune system to combat existing cancers or prevent tumor development.

Monoclonal Antibodies
These lab-made antibodies, including drugs like Avelumab, Atezolizumab, and Pembrolizumab, bind to particular proteins associated with cancer, aiding immune recognition and attack. They also block immune checkpoints to enhance immune responses against tumors.

Oncolytic Virus Therapy
This strategy uses genetically modified viruses, such as T-VEC, injected into tumors to selectively destroy cancer cells by stimulating immune activity. Normal cells are spared, and multiple doses may be given to eliminate the tumor.