What is Immunotherapy?

Cancer immunotherapy, a unique form of cancer treatment, harnesses the body’s own immune system to prevent, control, and eliminate cancer. This innovative approach is also known as immuno-oncology.

Immunotherapy encompasses a range of treatments, including targeted antibodies, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, tumor-infecting viruses, checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, and adjuvants. These treatments, also known as biotherapy or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy, use materials from living organisms to fight disease. Some immunotherapies use genetic engineering to enhance immune cells’ cancer-fighting abilities, a technique known as gene therapy. These treatments can be used in combination with other cancer treatments to enhance their effectiveness.

At Arizona Blood & Cancer Specialists, we're committed to staying at the forefront of cancer care, offering the latest advancements in treatment, including immunotherapy. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through your treatment journey, providing support and expertise every step of the way.

Thanks to years of rigorous research and testing, immunotherapy has earned regulatory approvals for various cancers. While these treatments have shown remarkable effectiveness in many patients, it's important to note that they may not work for everyone. Additionally, some immunotherapies can lead to potentially severe but manageable side effects. However, ongoing research is focused on identifying predictive markers to determine which patients are most likely to benefit from treatment.

Despite these challenges, immunotherapy is already making a significant impact, extending and saving the lives of countless cancer patients. As research continues to unlock the full potential of the immune system's cancer-fighting capabilities, the future of cancer treatment grows increasingly promising.