Were you recently diagnosed with cancer? If so, this is likely a difficult time. The good news is that cancer treatments are evolving and becoming more effective daily. According to the National Cancer Institute, the number of cancer survivors in the United States is expected to grow to 26 million by 2040. You may be exploring different treatment options, including immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses your body’s immune system to fight cancer. Below are three different types of immunotherapy and the types of cancers for which they are most effective.
1. Checkpoint Inhibitors
Checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy that works by blocking proteins on cancer cells that prevent the immune system from attacking them. By blocking these proteins, checkpoint inhibitors can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors are used to treat a variety of cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer.
2. CAR T-Cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that involves modifying a patient’s T-cells to target cancer cells better. T-cells are a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system fight infections and diseases. In CAR T-cell therapy, T-cells are extracted from the patient’s blood and genetically modified to produce receptors that target cancer cells. The modified T-cells are then infused back into the patient’s bloodstream, where they can seek out and destroy cancer cells.
Oncolytic Virus Therapy
Oncolytic virus therapy is a type of immunotherapy that uses viruses to attack cancer cells. The viruses used in oncolytic virus therapy are engineered to target and infect cancer cells, causing them to rupture and die. As the cancer cells rupture, they release antigens that can stimulate the immune system to attack other cancer cells. Oncolytic virus therapy is being studied as a potential treatment for several types of cancer, including melanoma and pancreatic cancer.
Immunotherapy is a promising treatment option for cancer patients. By harnessing the immune system’s power, immunotherapy can help fight cancer in a targeted and effective way. Checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and oncolytic virus therapy are just a few of the different types of immunotherapy available. We encourage you to contact us if you’re interested in learning more about immunotherapy and whether it’s a good treatment option for you. Our team of experts can provide you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your cancer treatment.
Posted May 1, 2023
