Understanding the Basics of Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment

There are many types of immunotherapy for cancer treatment, each with its unique approach to using the body’s immune system to help fight cancer. Here’s an overview of types of cancer immunotherapy:

• Monoclonal antibodies (MABs)

Antibodies naturally found in our blood help fight infection. MAB therapies mimic these antibodies but are created in a lab. “Monoclonal” means they’re all copies of one type of antibody. MABs recognize and attach to specific proteins on cancer cells’ surfaces. There are many types of MABs used to treat cancer, each working differently, sometimes in multiple ways. MABs function as immunotherapy in various ways. They might:
– Activate the immune system
– Assist the immune system in attacking cancer

• Checkpoint inhibitors

Checkpoint inhibitors are MABs that help the immune system find and attack cancer cells. Sometimes, cancer cells can stop immune cells from attacking by using a “stop” signal. Checkpoint inhibitors block this signal and allow the immune system to fight the cancer.

• Vaccines for cancer treatment

Researchers are investigating whether vaccines can train the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. These vaccines are designed similarly to those for diseases, targeting specific proteins found in cancer cells. This helps the immune system recognize and target those cancer cells.

• Cytokines

Cytokines are proteins in the body that help strengthen the immune system. Interferon and interleukin are cytokines found naturally in the body. Scientists have developed synthetic versions of these proteins to treat certain types of cancer.

• CAR T-cell therapy

This treatment modifies genes in a person’s white blood cells (T cells) to enable them to identify and destroy cancer cells. Modifying T cells in this manner is known as genetically engineering them. CAR T-cell therapy is an option for some children with leukemia and some adults with lymphoma. Others with different types of cancer might receive it through clinical trials.

• Immunomodulators (non-specific immunotherapy)

Immunomodulators are molecules that help activate the immune system broadly, without targeting cancer cells specifically. That’s why it’s called non-specific immunotherapy. Some immunomodulators are used as standalone treatments for cancer, while others are used alongside primary treatments to enhance the immune system’s effectiveness.

• Oncolytic Viruses 

These are viruses that have been modified to selectively infect and kill cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Oncolytic viruses can replicate inside cancer cells, leading to their destruction and triggering an immune response against the tumor. Each type of immunotherapy for cancer treatment has its advantages and specific applications in treating different types of cancer.