Immunotherapy, also referred to as biologic therapy in the medical field, harnesses the power of lab-engineered substances or naturally occurring elements within our body to enhance immune responses against cancer. The goal of immunotherapy is to strengthen the immune system, halt the spread of cancer (metastasis), and prevent the growth of additional cancer cells. There are several distinct types of immunotherapy, each tailored to specific actions against cancer.
Oncolytic Virus Therapy
Oncolytic virus therapy involves the use of genetically altered viruses injected directly into tumors. These viruses work to kill cancer cells while boosting the immune system’s ability to target and destroy the cancerous cells. Importantly, the virus does not harm healthy cells, making it a targeted and efficient method of treatment.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules that can mimic the body’s immune system. This cancer treatment helps the immune system identify and attack cancerous proteins found throughout the body. Additionally, monoclonal antibodies are designed to block further cancer cell growth, preventing further spread of the disease.
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines can be used to stimulate the immune system by introducing specific antigens. These vaccines either prevent cancer or act as treatment for those already diagnosed. There are two main types of cancer vaccines: therapeutic vaccines, which treat existing cancers, and preventive vaccines, which are designed to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Non-Specific Immunotherapies
Non-specific immunotherapies consist of two types—interferons and interleukins. Interferons are typically used for a wide range of cancer types, while interleukins are more commonly used for treating kidney cancer and melanoma. These therapies are often used in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to enhance their effectiveness.
T-Cell Therapy
T-cell therapy, also known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, utilizes the body’s own immune cells to fight cancer. In this process, doctors extract healthy T-cells from the patient’s blood and modify them in the lab by adding cancer-fighting receptors. Once altered, these cells are multiplied and reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream, where they work to target and destroy cancerous cells.