Immunotherapy Cancer

Immunotherapy is used to stimulate the immune system against cancer. For example, a vaccine consisting of antigens derived from tumor cells can increase the body's function on antibodies or immune cells (lympiosit). Extracts inactivated tuberculosis bacteria, which are known to boost immune response, has been successful when instilled into bladder to prevent recurrence of bladder tumors.

Monoclonal antibody therapy requires the use of antibodies produced experimentally to make special proteins on the surface of cancer cells as targets. Thrastuzumab is one of the antibodies, which attack the HER-2/neu receptor is present on the surface of cancer cells in 25% of women with breast cancer. Trastuzumab enhances the effect of chemotherapy drugs. Rituximab is an effective treatment for lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Rituximab is associated with radioactive isotopes can be used to delver radiation directly to lymphoma cells. Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin, antibody and the drug combination, is effective in some people with acute myelocytic leukemia.

Biological response modifiers improve the immune system's ability to find and destroy cancer cells, such as to stimulate normal cells to produce chemical messengers (mediators). Interferon (of which there are several kinds) is the best known and very widely used biological response modifiers. Almost all human cells naturally produce interferon, but also can be made through biotechnology. Although the exact mechanism of action is not completely clear, interferon has the task in the treatment of some cancers, like Kaposi's sarcoma and malignant melanoma. Interleukin 2, which resulted in certain white blood cells, also can help cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma in the kidney.

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