First step in immunotherapies era: any hope to cure or not; review article

Abstract

Author(s): Ayman Rasmy, Amal Ameen, Mohamed Mashiaki

Immunotherapy is the standard treatment for certain types of cancer that have spread such as melanoma. It aids the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Unlike other forms of treatment that produce harsh side effects such as chemotherapy; immunotherapy causes less harm as it uses the patient’s immune system and is a milder form of treatment. Thus, immunotherapy is a more preferable way in the treatment of cancer such, especially ovary, lung, breast, or renal so as to ensure recovery with fewer difficulties. Normally, the human body has natural capabilities to detect and eradicate abnormal cells that could evolve into cancer. Some cancer cells are however capable of producing signals that blind the immune system from detecting them or by changing themselves so they are unrecognizable. Immunotherapy thus looks to restore and sharpen the ability of the immune system to encounter these problems efficiently. Such therapies work in two major ways. They invigorate parts of the immune system so they can work better and also neutralize signals from cancer cells which inhibit the immune system.

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