BODY'S OWN SYSTEM HARNESSED TO FIGHT MALADIES
Immunotherapies are medical interventions that leverage the body's immune system to confront and manage a spectrum of conditions, including cancers and other ailments. These biological treatments operate by either stimulating weakened immune responses or modulating those that have become hyperactive or uncontrolled.
A key characteristic of these treatments is their direct engagement with the body's natural defence mechanisms, aiming to direct them against specific targets or to re-establish a balanced immune function.
DIVERSE MECHANISMS EMPLOYED
Several distinct approaches fall under the umbrella of immunotherapy. These include:
Monoclonal antibodies: These are laboratory-produced molecules designed to mimic disease-fighting antibodies.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors: These drugs work by releasing the brakes on the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer cells more effectively.
Therapeutic vaccines: Unlike preventative vaccines, these are designed to treat existing diseases by stimulating an immune response against them.
Adoptive cell transfer: This involves collecting a patient's own immune cells, modifying them in a lab, and then reintroducing them to fight the disease.
Newer, more intricate immunotherapies are emerging, some drawing on recent scientific breakthroughs concerning regulatory T-cells (Tregs). In the realm of cancer treatment specifically, more than 100 cancer vaccines are currently undergoing clinical trials, aiming to prompt the immune system to target tumours.
TREATMENT ADMINISTRATION AND CONSIDERATIONS
The delivery and management of immunotherapy are closely overseen by healthcare professionals. Patients are informed about potential side effects prior to commencing treatment, and discussions around treatment necessity and patient consent are standard.
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"Your cancer team will talk to you about the treatment you need and the possible side effects before you agree (consent) to have treatment." - Macmillan Cancer Support
Support and guidance are provided to help manage any adverse reactions, with drugs available to control some side effects. However, as with any medical intervention, immunotherapy carries its own set of risks and benefits. The effectiveness of immunotherapy can also wane over time, potentially ceasing to impact cancer cells.
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The concept of immunotherapy involves harnessing the immune system's power to fight diseases. It differs from conventional treatments like chemotherapy, which often target rapidly dividing cells broadly, by aiming for a more targeted interaction with the body's defences. Various types of immunotherapy are in use or under investigation, with some treatments focusing on specific cancers while others address different conditions. Some antibody-based medicines are designed to counter cancer in ways distinct from direct immune system stimulation. Oral immunotherapy, for instance, is a recognized method for treating food allergies.
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Notable immunotherapies for cancer include drugs like Keytruda (pembrolizumab), Bavencio (avelumab), Thalomid (thalidomide), Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel), and Imfinzi (durvalumab). While these treatments have shown promise, the ongoing research reflects a continuous effort to refine their efficacy and safety profiles.
