Cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an innovative method of treating cancer. It helps to strengthen the body's defenses and destroy atypical cells. Today, immunotherapy is used for most types of cancer. It is a highly effective technique that helps to reduce the tumor process and reduces the risk of disease recurrence.

Immunotherapy was first recommended in 1990 for the treatment of bladder cancer, and it was widely introduced into clinical practice only in 2013. 5 years later, scientists James Ellison and Tasuku Hanzo received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for basic research in this area.

Immunotherapy is used for most types of cancer. In 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved immunotherapy for 20 types of malignant neoplasms, including:

• brain;
• lung;
• breast;
• liver;
• kidney;
• stomach;
• pancreas;
• colon;
• cervix;
• bladder;
• melanoma;
• lymphoma and some others.

Immunotherapy is often used when chemotherapy is ineffective, the tumor has spread, multiple metastases and there are contraindications to surgical treatment.

The immune system is a complex mechanism that protects the body from viruses, bacteria and other foreign substances. Having identified them, it stimulates the production of T-lymphocytes to destroy the “enemies”. Malignant cells are among them, but since they develop from healthy ones and can secrete substances that block the immune response, the body often fails to cope with its task.

Immunotherapy allows:

• to help the immune system identify atypical cells;
• to enhance natural immune responses;
• to enhance the effect of immunity by introducing substances into the body that are identical to cells produced by the human immune system.

Immunotherapy is used in combination with other cancer treatment methods, which allows to increase their effectiveness many times, reduce the risk of metastasis and relapse. For each patient, oncologists develop an individual immunotherapy regimen, taking into account international and state treatment protocols.

Most often, immunotherapy uses drugs that require intravenous administration. Therefore, during the course of treatment, patients need to visit the clinic regularly.

The duration of treatment and the number of courses are also individual. On average, one cycle of immunotherapy is from 2 to 6 weeks.

Immunotherapy is a new stage in the treatment of cancer. According to studies, it increases the chances of complete recovery and helps to prolong and improve the quality of life of a patient with severe forms of cancer.

At Oxford Medical, cancer treatment is carried out by highly qualified oncologists with many years of work experience. Thanks to this, as well as equipping the clinics with new diagnostic equipment from the best manufacturers, we ensure the provision of medical care in accordance with the highest quality standards.