Immunotherapy
Introduction
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses certain parts of a person's immune system to fight diseases such as cancer. This can be achieved in a few different ways: by stimulating the immune system to work harder or smarter to attack cancer cells or by giving the immune system components, such as man-made immune system proteins.
History
The concept of immunotherapy dates back to the late 19th century when German physician Paul Ehrlich proposed the idea of using the body's immune system to combat tumor cells. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that significant advancements were made in this field.
Types of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapies can be broadly classified into two categories: active and passive.
Active Immunotherapy
Active immunotherapy aims to stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells. It includes treatments such as cancer vaccines and non-specific immunotherapies.
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines are substances introduced into the body to cause an immune response against cancer cells. They are typically made from the patient's own tumor cells or from substances produced by tumor cells.
Non-specific Immunotherapies
Non-specific immunotherapies are treatments that generally boost the immune system, helping it attack cancer cells. These can include substances like interferons and interleukins, which are naturally produced by the body during an immune response.
Passive Immunotherapy
Passive immunotherapy involves the introduction of immune system components, such as antibodies, into the body. This category includes treatments like monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules that can bind to specific targets on cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block immune checkpoints, which are proteins that prevent immune responses from being too strong. By blocking these checkpoints, these drugs allow immune cells to respond more strongly to cancer.
Benefits and Risks
Immunotherapy has shown promise in treating a variety of cancers, including lung cancer, melanoma, and kidney cancer. However, like all treatments, it carries potential risks and side effects. These can range from minor reactions, like skin rashes and flu-like symptoms, to more serious conditions, such as heart problems and autoimmune diseases.
Future Directions
Research is ongoing to develop new immunotherapies and improve existing ones. Future directions include the development of combination therapies, personalized immunotherapies, and strategies to reduce side effects.
