In this time of need we all have come to realize how important immune system is for us and the need to have a strong immunity. Immune system is a vast term responsible for different functions in keeping our body clean and healthy.  It helps in defending our body from foreign invaders and micro organisms like bacteria, viruses, etc. Thanks to our immune system cancer is not a common disease. Cancer arises due to mutation in genetic content of the cells. Such mutation are not uncommon, but immune system helps them keep in control by destroying them. Immunotherapy is thus regarded as an important part in cancer treatment.

Certain groups of people with advanced stage cancer can live for longer than expected through immune therapy. It is a procedure which has revolutionized the field of oncology. As the name suggests immunotherapy helps in boosting the body’s own natural defense to fight cancer. The role of immunotherapy is a bit different than radiation and targeted therapy, and so is the effects.

There are two categories for the Immuno-oncological approach

1. Passive immune therapy
   ( Enhances the body’s natural response. E.g. Checkpoint inhibitors)
2. Active immunotherapy
   ( Directs immune cells to identify and destroy cancer cells. E.g. Vaccines )

These categories are determined by the type and stage of the cancer patients. Every category comes with certain dis advantages (which we call side effects) but nothing the doctors cannot handle. 

Immunotherapy has made a vast progress in the field of cancer treatment over the years.

It is very important that you understand the disease and the treatment involved.
JASCAP has books to help you understand IMMUNOTHERAPY and fight it.

• E – 206 – Immunotherapy

Additionally, in May 2021, a webinar titled ‘An Emerging Immunotherapeutic in NSCLC’ was convened by Dr. Kumar Prabhash, Prof. & Head- Department of Medical Oncology Tata Memorial Hospital Parel, Mumbai. To know more about this webinar, please click link below.

Immunotherapy & NSCLC