Description: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. Unlike traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which directly attack cancer cells, immunotherapy focuses on enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy these malignant cells. This innovative approach is based on the understanding that the immune system has the natural ability to identify and eliminate abnormal cells, but often cannot do so effectively in the case of cancer. Immunotherapy can include the use of monoclonal antibodies, cancer vaccines, and immune modulators, among others. Its relevance lies in offering an alternative or complement to conventional treatments, with the potential to generate lasting responses and fewer side effects. Additionally, immunotherapy has proven effective in several types of cancer, making it an active and promising area of research in modern oncology.
History: Immunotherapy has its roots in the 19th century when it was observed that some infections could induce remissions in cancer patients. However, it was in the 1970s that the first immunological treatments were developed, such as interferon therapy. In the 1990s, monoclonal antibodies were introduced, marking a significant advancement. In the last decade, immunotherapy has gained worldwide attention, especially with the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab in 2014, which revolutionized the treatment of melanoma and other cancers.
Uses: Immunotherapy is primarily used in cancer treatment, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and lymphoma, among others. Its application is also being researched in autoimmune diseases and in the prevention of viral infections. Therapies can be administered alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to enhance overall efficacy.
Examples: An example of immunotherapy is the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab, which is used to treat advanced melanoma. Another example is CAR-T therapy, which involves genetically modifying the patient’s T cells to attack cancer cells, used in certain types of leukemia and lymphoma.
