Is Immunotherapy our answer to fighting cancer?

“Immunotherapy is giving hope to cancer patients like me”... “It is empowering to know that it was my immune system that did the job”...“Immunotherapy saved my life.”

In the relentless battle against cancer, where cells resist and defy the body's defences, a groundbreaking ally has emerged on the frontlines – immunotherapy. This revolutionary approach harnesses the power of the immune system to combat the insidious threat of malignant cells. The imperative for innovative treatments has never been more prevalent as cancer, with its insidious ability to evade conventional therapies and exploit the body's vulnerabilities, stands as one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine. Claiming around 10 million lives worldwide each year, the urgency to find further effective solutions is amplified by the profound impact this brutal disease has on individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

THE POWER OF IMMUNOTHERAPY

Immunotherapy, according to the NHS, is defined as ‘a type of treatment which involves taking medicines that encourage the immune system to fight cancer’.  This innovative therapeutic approach represents a departure from traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, offering a targeted and sophisticated strategy in the battle against cancer.

Although powerful in its ability to destroy rapidly dividing cells, chemotherapy has a tendency to contribute to severe side effects such as hair loss, infertility, cognitive-impairment and weakened-immune system and targets all cancerous and healthy cells. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, allows for precise targeting of malignant cells, minimal weakening of the immune system and preserved fertility. The ability to harness the body's natural defences with precision, sparing patients from the distressing side effects commonly associated with traditional treatments, marks a significant leap forward in the pursuit of optimal outcomes and improved quality of life for those facing the formidable challenge of cancer.

MECHANISMS OF ACTION

Immunotherapy consists of a diverse range of mechanisms which underscores the versatility and potency of immunotherapy in the fight against cancer. The key mechanisms are:

1. Checkpoint Inhibition = blocking checkpoint proteins on immune cell surface that prevent the immune system from attacking the cancer cells.

2. Activation of T-Cells = T-cells, crucial for identifying and destroying abnormal cells, enhances the immunological ability to target and eliminate cancerous cells.

3. CAR-T Therapy = personalised immunology approach, involving modifying a patients own T-Cells to express artificial receptors to effectively seek and destroy cancer cells.

4. Monoclonal Antibodies = man-made proteins that act like human antibodies in the immune system

5. Cytokine Therapy = Cytokines are signalling proteins that play a crucial role in regulating immune responses. Immunotherapy involves the administration of certain cytokines (interleukins or interferons) to boost the immune system's activity against cancer cells.

By harnessing the body's intrinsic defence mechanisms, immunotherapy emerges as a targeted and dynamic strategy that holds tremendous promise for the future of cancer treatment. The success stories witnessed thus far emphasise its transformative impact on patients facing a formidable spectrum of cancers.While challenges remain, these cases inspire hope, drive ongoing research, and reinforce the belief that immunotherapy is reshaping the landscape of cancer treatment.

Just few of these successes include:

-Former US President, Jimmy Carter was diagnosed with a metastatic melanoma (skin cancer), which had spread to his liver and brain. He underwent treatment with a combination of immunotherapies, leading to a complete recovery.

- 6 year old Emily Whitehead, beat Leukaemia, whilst conventional treatments failed, but she became the first paediatric patient to receive CAR-T cell therapy. This groundbreaking immunotherapy resulted in her achieving remission, offering hope for millions of children facing similar challenges.

CHALLENGES OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND FUTURE SCOPE FOR RESEARCH

Despite being groundbreaking, immunotherapy is a relatively new field, necessitating ongoing research. Challenges compel scientific researchers to expand the boundaries of scientific exploration. Limited efficacy in specific cancers, intricately linked to the interplay between tumour cells and the immune system, is a pivotal concern. Urgent attention is required to overcome resistance and prevent relapse, pushing researchers to unravel underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, managing autoimmune side effects, addressing affordability, and optimising combination therapies are imperative. Advances in technologies, such as AI and high-throughput sequencing, present opportunities for personalised immunotherapy. Collaborative efforts among academia, industry, and healthcare practitioners are crucial for addressing challenges and expanding the scope of immunotherapy research. The dedication to understanding the immune system positions immunotherapy as a dynamic field with transformative potential in the future of cancer treatment.

In conclusion, immunotherapy stands as a groundbreaking and promising development in cancer treatment. Its targeted approach ultimately sparing patients from severe side effects, and the transformative success stories just begin to underline its potential. 

Could immunotherapy pave the way for a future where we don't just treat cancer, but prevent it altogether?

Lucy Rogers

references -

Roser, Max and Ritchie, Hannah. “Cancer”, Our World In Data (2019) Cancer - ourworldindata. [accessed 26 January 2024]  “Immunotherapy” NHS Data and Dictionary (2023)  https://www.datadictionary.nhs.uk/nhs_business_definitions/immunotherapy.html

 Cancer Research Institute, (2019) https://www.cancerresearch.org/blog/june-2016/difference-cancer-immunotherapy-and-chemotherapy. [accessed 19.01.24]

 “Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors”. National Cancer Institute. (2022) [accessed 28 January] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/checkpoint-inhibitors#

 ‘Cancer Research UK- Monoclonal Antibodies’. (2024) [accessed 28 January] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/targeted-cancer-drugs/types/monoclonal-antibodies

  ‘Cancer Research UK- CAR T-cell Therapy’ (2022) [accessed 28 January] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/immunotherapy/types/CAR-T-cell-therapy

“How Cancer Immunotherapy extended Jimmy Carters Life” . [accessed 30 January 2024] https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-cancer-immunotherapy-extended-jimmy-carters-life-and-the-hope-it-brings-to-others