IMMUNOTHERAPY / BIOTHERAPY

The immune system is the defense system for the human body. It fights off invading germs and foreign substances that cause illness and disease. The spleen, thymus, and lymphatic system produce special cells that act as our natural defense mechanism. Besides fighting infections and other diseases, these cells can also combat cancer cells. Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that is based on the body's natural immune system.

Immunotherapy is one of the most promising areas in cancer research today. Preventive cancer vaccines are being developed for cancers caused by viruses. The body's own immune system may be able to build a natural defense against those cancers not related to viruses. Scientists are developing therapeutic vaccines that can be given after cancer is present that will attack only the cancer cells in the body. This will leave normal cells healthy and undamaged.

Biotherapy continues to mature with further development of scientific knowledge and biotechnology and broader clinical experience.

To learn more about immunotherapy, call your local chapter of the American Cancer Society, or call (800) 277-2345, or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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