What does this mean? Well, immunotherapy offers a lot of hope, but a few words of caution are in order. Firstly, this therapy is rarely, if ever, used on its own. It’s considered an adjuvant (helping hand) to existing therapies. Secondly, immunotherapy currently has a small, albeit increasing, role in treating the most common types of cancer. Thirdly, based on current information, the American Cancer Society states, "In general, immunotherapy is most likely to be effective when treating small cancers and will probably be less effective for more advanced disease."
The concept behind immunotherapy is quite simple. Since the body’s immune system already has considerable cancer-fighting abilities, why not harness those powers? From a medical standpoint, this is easier said than done – but it is happening.
Immunotherapy, (also known as biologic therapy) comes in two flavours: passive and active. Passive therapy is so called because the immune system doesn’t have to actively participate in the healing process. This is important in treating people whose immune system is already compromised. An example of this would be Monoclonal Antibody (MAB) therapy. Antibodies are manufactured in a lab and are tailored to match and fight specific cancers. Clinical trials are progressing quickly.
Active therapy "activates" the immune system. Non-specific active immunotherapies have a generic effect. They provide an overall boost to immunity, which can result in greater, anti-cancer activity. This includes the family of Cytokines (literally, "cell movers"), such as Interleukins and Interferons. Specific active immunotherapies engage the assistance of the immune system and target specific cancers. This is where cancer vaccines come in.
Regular vaccines work by introducing weakened or killed versions of a disease so that the immune system can recognize it and kill it. Most often we think of this treatment as prevention (like flu-shots). A vaccine for cancer prevention is a long way off in the future, but vaccines for cancer treatment are already in clinical trials.
The concept is straightforward: introduce weakened or killed versions of the cancer for the body to fight. But the technique is not so straightforward. Just like flu, cancers can change very quickly, so the vaccine has to be modified. Also, since the vaccine is not just cancer-specific but sometimes patient-specific, manufacturing enough vaccine can be very difficult and expensive.
Experts agree that this is one of the most exciting areas in cancer research.
There is one "non-specific active immunotherapy" that doesn’t require a prescription, clinical trials or federal approval. Good nutrition, exercise and a positive outlook directly affect the immune system. Based on the latest information, this would seem more important than ever.
If you’re interested in finding out more about immunotherapy, the American Cancer Society, cancer.org, has wonderful material.
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Cancer vaccines and immunotherapy

Enhancing the body’s immune system is rapidly becoming an important weapon in the fight against cancer.
For many years, cancer treatment was limited to surgery, drug/chemotherapy and radiation. There continues to be improvement in each of these fields as understanding of cancer increases. However, increasingly, immunotherapy is being used as a fourth "modality" of treatment.
What does this mean? Well, immunotherapy offers a lot of hope, but a few words of caution are in order. Firstly, this therapy is rarely, if ever, used on its own. It’s considered an adjuvant (helping hand) to existing therapies. Secondly, immunotherapy currently has a small, albeit increasing, role in treating the most common types of cancer. Thirdly, based on current information, the American Cancer Society states, "In general, immunotherapy is most likely to be effective when treating small cancers and will probably be less effective for more advanced disease."
The concept behind immunotherapy is quite simple. Since the body’s immune system already has considerable cancer-fighting abilities, why not harness those powers? From a medical standpoint, this is easier said than done – but it is happening.
Immunotherapy, (also known as biologic therapy) comes in two flavours: passive and active. Passive therapy is so called because the immune system doesn’t have to actively participate in the healing process. This is important in treating people whose immune system is already compromised. An example of this would be Monoclonal Antibody (MAB) therapy. Antibodies are manufactured in a lab and are tailored to match and fight specific cancers. Clinical trials are progressing quickly.
Active therapy "activates" the immune system. Non-specific active immunotherapies have a generic effect. They provide an overall boost to immunity, which can result in greater, anti-cancer activity. This includes the family of Cytokines (literally, "cell movers"), such as Interleukins and Interferons. Specific active immunotherapies engage the assistance of the immune system and target specific cancers. This is where cancer vaccines come in.
Regular vaccines work by introducing weakened or killed versions of a disease so that the immune system can recognize it and kill it. Most often we think of this treatment as prevention (like flu-shots). A vaccine for cancer prevention is a long way off in the future, but vaccines for cancer treatment are already in clinical trials.
The concept is straightforward: introduce weakened or killed versions of the cancer for the body to fight. But the technique is not so straightforward. Just like flu, cancers can change very quickly, so the vaccine has to be modified. Also, since the vaccine is not just cancer-specific but sometimes patient-specific, manufacturing enough vaccine can be very difficult and expensive.
Experts agree that this is one of the most exciting areas in cancer research.
There is one "non-specific active immunotherapy" that doesn’t require a prescription, clinical trials or federal approval. Good nutrition, exercise and a positive outlook directly affect the immune system. Based on the latest information, this would seem more important than ever.
If you’re interested in finding out more about immunotherapy, the American Cancer Society, cancer.org, has wonderful material