Cancer treatment has come a long way, and immunotherapy now stands out as one of the most promising approaches. Unlike chemotherapy or radiation, which attack cancer cells directly, immunotherapy trains the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. This shift has reshaped how we think about treatment.
Immunotherapy isn’t just one therapy; it’s a collection of different strategies. Each works in its own way to help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Main Immunotherapy Types
- Monoclonal Antibodies: These lab-made proteins bind to specific targets on cancer cells, marking them for destruction. They can also deliver chemotherapy or radiation directly to tumors.
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Cancer often uses checkpoints to hide from the immune system. Drugs in this group block those checkpoints, freeing the immune system to attack.
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: Here, a patient’s own T cells are engineered in the lab to recognize and kill cancer cells. After reinfusion, these cells act like a guided missile.
- Cancer Vaccines: These vaccines don’t prevent cancer, but instead help the body recognize cancer-specific proteins and fight back.
- Cytokines Therapy: Proteins like interleukins and interferons boost the immune response against cancer.
Of course, each type has its own challenges. One serious concern is Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), especially with CAR-T therapy. CRS can cause fever, fatigue, and even organ problems, which is why doctors monitor patients closely during treatment. In recent years, technologies like 4SCAR therapy have been developed to help prevent this syndrome from occurring. This innovative approach uses built-in safety switches that allow doctors to control the immune response, significantly reducing the risk of CRS and improving patient safety. Doctors monitor it closely and treat it with medications that dial down the immune response.
Immunotherapy has changed the landscape of cancer care. And as research continues, we’ll likely see even more ways the immune system can be guided to fight cancer better.We work closely with leading oncology clinics around the world to connect patients with the best possible care. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring you receive personalized and highly-advanced leading CAR-T recommendations that fit your unique needs. Let us help you take the next step toward better cancer care.
Shenzhen Genoimmune Medical Institute (GIMI)
The Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical Institute (GIMI) stands at the forefront of gene and immune cell therapy, pioneering innovative solutions beyond FDA-approved CAR-T treatments. Led by renowned expert Prof. Lung-Ji Chang, inventor of the widely-adopted lentiviral vector system, GIMI has delivered effective treatments for over 1,000 cancer cases with cutting-edge 4th generation CAR-T technologies.
What are the types of immunotherapy?
Monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and cytokine therapy.
What is the most common immunotherapy for cancer?
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are among the most widely used, especially for cancers like melanoma and lung cancer.
What is immunotherapy for stage 4 cancer?
It’s often used to slow disease progression and improve quality of life. Effectiveness varies by cancer type.
Is chemotherapy a type of immunotherapy?
No. Chemotherapy directly attacks rapidly dividing cells. Immunotherapy works by enhancing the immune system’s natural fight against cancer.
