Understanding immunotherapy for cancer is crucial as it offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Unlike these methods, immunotherapy harnesses the body’s own immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. It works by either stimulating the immune system broadly or helping it target specific cancer cells more effectively. The following is a detailed article of how this innovative treatment works and which cancers show the best response to it.
How Immunotherapy Works?
Immunotherapy aims to strengthen the body’s natural defences against cancer. It uses substances made by the body or in a lab to improve or restore immune function. There are several types of immunotherapy, each with a unique mechanism to help the immune system fight cancer more effectively.
Types of Immunotherapy
The following are the different types of immunotherapies:
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: These drugs block proteins that stop the immune system from attacking cancer cells. This enables T-cells to recognise and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
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CAR T-Cell Therapy: This method modifies T-cells in the lab to better recognise and target cancer cells.
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Monoclonal Antibodies: These lab-made proteins can bind to specific targets on cancer cells, marking them for the immune system to attack.
Which Cancers Respond Best to Immunotherapy?
Certain cancers have shown a higher rate of response to immunotherapy treatments. Below is a list of cancers most responsive to this type of treatment.
Melanoma
Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is among the most responsive to immunotherapy for cancer. Drugs like pembrolizumab and nivolumab have been particularly effective in treating advanced stages of melanoma by targeting specific immune checkpoints.
Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have benefited significantly from immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs have become a standard treatment for patients with advanced or metastatic lung cancer, often in combination with chemotherapy.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, especially advanced renal cell carcinoma, responds well to combinations of checkpoint inhibitors. This has made immunotherapy a key treatment option for patients with this cancer type.
Bladder Cancer
Immunotherapy has emerged as a viable option for treating bladder cancer, particularly for patients whose cancer has spread or worsened after traditional treatments. Drugs like atezolizumab and pembrolizumab have been effective in managing this condition.
Blood Cancers
Certain blood cancers, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and some types of leukaemia, show a high response rate to immunotherapy. CAR T-cell therapy, which involves modifying a patient’s T-cells to attack cancer cells more effectively, has shown promising results.
Challenges and Limitations
While immunotherapy for cancer is promising, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Not all cancers or patients respond well to this treatment. Some side effects can be severe, and it is expensive compared to other therapies. Additionally, more research is needed to understand why certain cancers are more responsive than others.
Conclusion
Immunotherapy is revolutionising the way we approach cancer treatment, especially for cancers that have been historically difficult to treat. While it offers hope, it is not without its challenges. Continued research is essential to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of this treatment. Knowing which cancers are most responsive can help guide treatment decisions and provide better outcomes for patients.
