Precision medicine and immunotherapy have introduced a paradigm shift in cancer diagnosis and treatment. By using data that is unique to each cancer patient, clinicians can tailor treatment strategies by targeting molecular alterations (targeted and gene-based therapies).
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy drugs activate the immune system by stimulating various mechanisms to recognize and attack cancer cells, regardless of the origin of these malignant cells.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are immune proteins designed to attach to specific targets on cancer cells or to tag cancer cells and enhance recognition by the immune system.
Adoptive Cell Transfer
Active immune cells, taken from the patient’s tumor, are isolated and cultured in the laboratory prior to being injected into the patient. This enhances the ability of the immune system to attack cancer cells. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a type of adoptive cell transfer that is approved to treat certain leukemias and lymphomas.
Immune System Modulators
Immune system modulators, like interleukins and interferons, improve the ability of our body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Cancer Treatment Vaccines
Cancer cells contain substances, called tumor associated antigens, that are not present in normal cells or are present in small quantities.
Treatment vaccines can help the immune system recognize these antigens and destroy cancer cells. A type of cancer vaccine, oncolytic virus therapy, uses a virus to break down cancer cells without damaging normal cells.
Gene-Based/Targeted Therapy
Targeted agents can attack specific mutations on cancer cells. Gene-based therapies identify genetic mutations and target protein pathways causing cancer formation.
These technological breakthroughs in cancer research, diagnostics and treatment have translated to dramatically improved quality and longevity of life, higher cure rates and fewer side effects. In addition, the use of Artificial Intelligence and collaborative research will play an important role in the rapid progress of cancer treatments.
