Cancer Immunotherapy: Research and Practice

Cancer immunotherapy is a growing field of oncology that is concerned with the artificial stimulation of the immune system for the treatment of cancer. This is achieved by enhancing the body's natural ability to fight cancer. In cancer immunotherapy, antibody proteins of the immune system detect cancer cells by binding to them. The chief difference between normal and modified immunotherapy antibodies lies in the fact that while the former binds to external pathogens, the latter binds to tumor antigens thereby identifying and marking the cancer cells for the immune system to kill or inhibit their growth. Cancer immunotherapy can be passive, hybrid or active. Hybrid therapy is a combination of active and passive therapies. In active immunotherapy, the immune system is directed to attack tumor cells by targeting tumor antigens. Passive immunotherapies improve existing anti-tumor responses by using lymphocytes, cytokines and monoclonal antibodies. Some of the approved immunotherapy antibodies are nivolumab, alemtuzumab, ofatumumab, ipilimumab and rituximab. This book elucidates new techniques and applications of cancer immunotherapy in a multidisciplinary manner. It explores all the important aspects of cancer immunotherapy research and practice in the present day scenario. It will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in this field.