Thanks to the fast-growing technology, more and more research studies are made possible. Many illnesses have effective treatments now and it gives hope to those who are suffering, especially to their loved ones. For cancer, many treatments have been studied on, proven and are now being used and encouraged by physicians. One is immunotherapy.
According to the Wikipedia, cancer immunotherapy (sometimes called immuno-oncology) is the use of the immune system to treat cancer. This approach exploits the fact that cancer cells often have molecules on their surface that can be detected by the immune system, known as tumor antigens; they are often proteins or other macromolecules (e.g. carbohydrates). Immunotherapies can be categorized as active, passive or hybrid (active and passive). Active immunotherapy directs the immune system to attack tumor cells by targeting TAAs. Passive immunotherapies enhance existing anti-tumor responses and include the use of monoclonal antibodies, lymphocytes and cytokines.
1. First is the treatment that revs up and boosts the immune system.
2.Second is the treatment that helps the immune system so it can target and kill cancer cells. It helps the immune system detect which are cancer cells so treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments can directly deliver the treatment to cancer cells.
1. Cancer vaccines
4.Oncolytic virus therapies
Immunotherapy is important because it boosts the immune system. A good, healthy immune system can fight cancer better. It also helps detect or "mark" cancer cells so that the treatment can be directly delivered to the affected cells. It slows down or even stops the cancer cells' growth and also prevents cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. With this kind of treatment, one can feel hopeful because it is very promising and many have also attested to the efficacy of this method. Staying strong and positive will allow you to persevere.