Immunotherapy: How the Immune System Fights Cancer

Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. This animation explains three types of immunotherapy used to treat cancer: nonspecific immune stimulation, T-cell transfer therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
www.cancer.gov/...
Find an Audio Described version and interactive transcript for this video here:
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[@SemiraStone]

Thank you for this video. Lymphoma Cancer fighter!! 2020/2021

[@mauritski3844]

I know a young woman who was diagnosed with brain cancer, if she would have got it 10 years ago she would have been gone in a matter of weeks, because of this new technique she was declared free of cancer just today and she will go on to live her happy life. I can't tell you how happy I am with this technique and all the work that thousands of researchers have put into cancer research and I am so exited about what science has to offer in the future

[@angelb406]

that checkpoint inhibitor explanation was golden!

[@lisajordon8723]

My brother has been receiving a treatment of 4 rounds of one of these immunal therapy's. I am not sure which one it is. He is being treated for metastatic melanoma. These are $75,000 per treatment. He getting it for the 2nd time. The doctors are using this for a case study.. I believe he is either the first or one of the first to receive the 4 round therapy for the second time... We are praying and very hopefull. 🙏

[@dissturbbed]

Lisa Jordon Hope he makes its, it will be good for all of us.

[@buna-gf8ku]

praise be

[@zeroxcrusher]

How is your brother now?

[@juancarlososorio4226]

Lisa Jordon update???

[@youssef11223344]

Hope your brother is doing well Lisa

[@AstraI]

thanks for everything you guys are doing to help people

[@twinpigbiolabinc.751]

As the immune system is a complex network that connects everything in the body from cells to tissues and organs, it is thought that anticancer treatment through strengthening the immune system will be very effective! It will play a role as a breakthrough anticancer drug in the future!

[@williamhenry2408]

Thanks to my doctor who cured me of cancer that almost get rid of my life.

[@mariadelourdesnascimento7461]

What kind of side effects can It cause to the patients?

[@NCIgov]

Hi Maria, Like other types of cancer treatment, immunotherapy has both risks and benefits. More information about the most common side effects of immunotherapy can be found in this resource: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy#4 . Take care.

[@saberur66]

Our bodies and science are magic

[@farahanazamri1686]

Does this fall on "tumor promoting immune activity" topic? Im a bit confuse.. Does tumor promoting immune activity is the same as tumor promoting inflammation?

[@HealthXprts]

Nice video. Informative stuff. How can we prevent cancer?

[@NCIgov]

Hi Health Experts. While there is no way to completely prevent cancer, there are steps a person can take to lower their risk of developing cancer. You can read more about cancer prevention here: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/patient-prevention-overview-pdq. Take care.

[@jaredmallard9986]

Don't eat meat. Red and processed meats are classified as carcinogens, groups 2A and 1 respectively. Additionally, there is some evidence that any meat cooked at high temperatures (around 300 F) can develop carcinogenic compounds as well. What you should eat are lots of fruits, vegetables, and nuts instead and in as natural of a form as possible. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cooked-meats-fact-sheet www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC526387/ jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/1134845

[@احمداحمد-ب7و4ط]

Cancer can be stop from immune system with out medicine?

[@NCIgov]

Hi احمد احمد. Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. You can learn more about immunotherapy and how it works against cancer here: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy.

[@saramitaroy2979]

What is the best treatment of extragonad germ cell tumor chemotherapy or immunotherapy

[@NCIgov]

Different types of treatments are available for patients with extragonadal germ cell tumors. Treatment can depend on the subtype and stage of the cancer. Chemotherapy is a standard therapy for extragonadal germ cell tumors, meaning it is accepted by medical experts as a proper treatment. Immunotherapy is not considered a standard therapy for these tumors at this time. Read more about the commonly used treatment options at www.cancer.gov/types/extragonadal-germ-cell/patient/extragonadal-treatment-pdq#_43. Clinical trials, including trials for immunotherapy, may also be an option. More information about cancer research studies is available at www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials/what-are-clinical-trials. The patient’s doctor will be in the best position to make any treatment recommendations. Take care.

[@dimsworld3786]

Is there any treatment (immunotherapy) suitable for pancreatic cancer stage iv? Thank you in advance.

[@NCIgov]

Hi Dimsworld, At this time immunotherapy treatments are still being investigated in clinical trials (research studies) for advanced pancreatic cancer. You can learn more about standard (widely-used) pancreatic cancer treatment options here: www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/patient/pancreatic-treatment-pdq#section/all. We hope this information is helpful. Take care.

[@dimsworld3786]

Already aware of those. I am just trying to find if there's anything new..Unfortunate we are running out of time. Either way thank you so much for your response and your overall effort.

[@NCIgov]

Please feel free to reach out to the NCI’s Contact Center for more detailed information:www.cancer.gov/contact/contact-center

[@shivasharma4210]

Can it work for mouth cancer advance stage?

[@NCIgov]

Hi Shiva, There are many different cancers that can start in the mouth. The treatment options available depend on exactly where in the mouth the cancer started and how advanced it is. While some immunotherapies have been approved, most are in clinical trials (research studies). You can learn more about treatment of head and neck cancers here: www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet. The following resource discusses immunotherapy in more detail:www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Take care.

[@khaledalmalki9987]

the checkpoint is the same on all cells if inhibited will there be a damage to self tissue?

[@NCIgov]

Hello Khaled. There can be damage to other tissues and organ systems. The following resource has more information about checkpoint inhibitors and their potential side effects: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/bio-therapies-fact-sheet . You may find additional information at the following link: www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2015/gulley-checkpoint . Take care.

[@Tashvinder]

There are some immune brakes e.g PD-1, CTLA-4 on T-Cells which can be targeted/blocked for upregulating immune responses against tumor cells.

[@kristenfuller9168]

Cancer sucks too bad I lost someone to cancer. My teacher pancreatic cancer. Her immune system didn't fight she passed from it cancer shut down her body her immune system. I miss her everyday 😢 did her immune system still possibly recognize her cancer? Even though she passed.

[@NCIgov]

Hi Kristen, we are sorry to learn of your teacher’s passing from pancreatic cancer. Losing someone you care about can be a painful and difficult time. As part of its normal function, the immune system detects and destroys abnormal cells and most likely prevents or curbs the growth of many cancers. Even though the immune system can prevent or slow cancer growth, cancer cells have ways to avoid destruction by the immune system. You can learn more about this at www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early, which means it is often not found until later stages when the cancer is difficult to treat. If you would like to read more about pancreatic cancer, you find this summary helpful: www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/patient/pancreatic-treatment-pdq. Please feel free to reach out to NCI’s Cancer Information Service if you have further questions about cancer: www.cancer.gov/contact. We wish you all the best.

[@multikashmirchannel8178]

Is there any treatment option for my mom..she was diagnosis with stage 4 Ca urinary bladder with bone metastasis last year then she received chemotherpy of 6 cycles of biogem 600mg and 27 radiotherpy out of 27 ...22 on right actibruim bone and remaining 5 on bladder..but this year she had a pain in her left sife of kidney then we go for USG then it shows reccurence of disease and pet shows now left side of her urinary bladder and right iliac bone.. last year was right side .and in january 2019 Dr recommended again 4 cycles of chemothrpy D1 D15..Nab paclitaxel 230mg and gemcitabine 1500mg ..but no relief..and 3 Radiotherpy ... but now recently we go for CECt Abdomen pelvis with urography..that reveals lytic lession on right iliac bone and liver metastasis..lung involment..uretus fundus..grade ¡¡ hydronephrosis of kidney..obstruction in kidney pipe....now please is there any immunothrpy treatment for her to recover

[@NCIgov]

Hi Panin, We are sorry to hear about all that your mother is going through. Immunotherapy has emerged as a treatment alternative for some patients with recurrent bladder cancer. There are currently four approved immunotherapy drugs for bladder cancer called immune checkpoint inhibitors. You can read more about these drugs here: www.cancer.gov/types/bladder/hp/bladder-treatment-pdq#_521_toc. Your mother’s doctor will be in the best position to recommend appropriate treatment for her situation, given her current health and treatment history. Keep in mind that doctors often weigh the risks of a new treatment against the potential benefits when making a recommendation. We wish you and your mother the best.

[@williamwalters6581]

Is this treatment available in New Zealand

[@NCIgov]

Hi William, As a United States Government agency, the NCI has limited information about treatments available in other countries. The use of immunotherapies in cancer treatment as well as the number of approved drugs has increased significantly in the past several years. If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, the treating doctor can explain if there are available immunotherapies for the specific situation. More information about immunotherapy can be viewed at www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Take care.

[@vinishvijayan6661]

If immune checkpoint inhibitor blocks the checkpoints of both t cell and other cells how the t cell identifies which is normal and which is abnormal cell to destroy? This can cause total damage to the cells right..

[@NCIgov]

Hello, Checkpoint inhibitors work by targeting specific checkpoint proteins found on certain cancer cells. You can read more about checkpoint inhibitors here: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/checkpoint-inhibitors. Take care.

[@ITACHI-wq8fc]

can i have this before i get cancer to train my immune system?

[@NCIgov]

Hello. Immunotherapy (a form of biological therapy) is a form of treatment to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. There are several different kinds of immunotherapy and they can work in different ways. In fact, some forms of immunotherapy actually suppress the immune system in order for anti-cancer medicine to work more effectively. It can also be used to lessen certain side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. It is not used as preventive measure for cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet are the best steps you can take to keep your immune system strong. You can learn more about immunotherapy here: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Take care.

[@ITACHI-wq8fc]

@@NCIgov thanks

[@musakhanmedicalenginee890]

Wow, very interested ,unbelievable lecture

[@bobbyreynolds9277]

Can a Tumor/cancer get a blood clot? The same type of blood clot that goes to your heart or the brain

[@NCIgov]

Hello, Bobby. It is theoretically possible. An embolism is a blockage, formed by a blood clot for example, in an artery. The effect of an embolism can even be used to treat certain forms of cancer. Embolization is a specific form of cancer treatment that blocks blood flow to a tumor in primary liver cancer. Take care.

[@renzpogi6845]

Is immunotherapy can cure bone cancer Is it ok to inject immunotherapy even if you dont have cancer

[@NCIgov]

Treatment options for bone cancer depend on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the person’s age and general health. Treatment options for bone cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, and targeted therapy. You can read more about primary bone cancer at www.cancer.gov/types/bone/bone-fact-sheet#how-is-primary-bone-cancer-treated. There are many different types of immunotherapy and some may be appropriate for people who do not have cancer, such as vaccines intended to prevent a disease. However, most of our resources focus on immunotherapy to treat cancer. You can read more about these therapies here: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Anyone considering an immunotherapy injection should first talk with their doctor. Take care.

[@anayaali8799]

Hi, does this therapy works in stage 4 liver cancer?

[@NCIgov]

Hi Anaya, Immunotherapy is sometimes given to patients with stage IV liver cancer. You can read more about the treatment options for liver cancer at www.cancer.gov/types/liver/patient/adult-liver-treatment-pdq#_229_toc. The doctor or another qualified health care provider most familiar with a patient’s diagnosis will be in the best position to recommend which treatment options are best. Take care.

[@anayaali8799]

@@NCIgov thank you.

[@bell1095]

What enables metastatic prostate cancer cells to produce their own testosteron and to reproduce themself ? 😢 How could they be stopped to do so ? It is not autophagy, but the opposite.

[@NCIgov]

Hello, Thank you for the question. Although prostate cells do not normally make testosterone, some prostate cancer cells acquire the ability to do so. At this time, androgen synthesis inhibitors that block androgen production throughout the body lower testosterone levels in a man's body to a greater extent than any other known treatment. You may wish to review this information, including its citation in our Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer webpage at www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/prostate-hormone-therapy-fact-sheet. Take care.

[@miha3847]

My mother in low pass away by cancer years ago .... she didn’t get treat as the video introduction, her blood was never used to form better T cell to inject back to her , she would get injected by other people’s blood only .......

[@NCIgov]

Hi Alina, We are sorry to hear of your mother-in-law’s death due to cancer. Immunotherapy is a promising area of cancer research and treatment that we hope will have a positive impact in the future. Take care.

[@Hapsiedapsie]

I recieved 2x2 immunotherapy and 2x2 chemotherapy and got a mild case of myocarditis ( they think it caused by immunotherapy, and wont give it to me again. I really want to know if i really never cant get immunotherapy.

[@NCIgov]

Hello, we are sorry to learn of the side effects that you have experienced. Your current oncologist is in the best position to advise you, and you might consider a second opinion. Myocarditis can be a very serious side effect. You might also be interested in this NCI blog post about it at www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2022/immunotherapy-myocarditis-cause#:~:text=A%20rare%2C%20but%20often%20fatal%2C%20side%20effect%20of,attacking%20a%20protein%20in%20heart%20cells%20called%20%CE%B1-myosin. Take care.

[@muskduh]

thanks for the video

[@sjdjjdaaasd3772]

Can cancer be cured in the future ? or can it be contained so that patients can have a normal life span?

[@NCIgov]

Hello, There have been many advances in the treatment of cancer and many cancers can already be cured, however, because there are so many types of cancer and ever variations within a particular type, a single cure is not likely. For some patients, cancer may become more of a chronic disease, and some patients may achieve long-term complete remission (no signs of disease). More people than ever before are surviving their cancer, but many still do not. We have come a long way, but there is much more work that needs to be done. You can learn more about cancer here: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer. Take care.

[@sjdjjdaaasd3772]

Hello, Three years ago, I found I have osteochondroma on my ankle. It does not cause any discomfort. Now, I am 22 years old, and the abnormal bony mass seems stop growing. Although the chance that this benign tumor becomes malignant is quite low, it can still become cancerous if I am not lucky enough. I just wonder if I should surgically remove it? Thank you!

[@NCIgov]

Hello, We are sorry to hear of everything you have been through. The treatment for osteochondroma depends on how it presents itself. Some masses are just observed while others may need to be removed if they are aggressive or causing issues. A doctor familiar with your situation is in the best place to discuss whether your mass needs treatment of can just be watched. Learn more here: medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001230.htm. We wish you the best. Take care.

[@ihadmyrevenge8756]

I got a question Can macrophages attack cancer cells?

[@NCIgov]

Hello, Macrophages are a type of white blood cell which are part of the body’s immune system. Specifically, macrophages surround and kill microorganisms, remove dead cells, and stimulate the action of other immune system cells. As part of its normal function, the immune system detects and destroys abnormal cells and most likely prevents or curbs the growth of many cancers. You can read more about the immune system and immunotherapy here: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Take care.

[@Islam-vf2mj]

Can it cure oesophagus cancer

[@NCIgov]

Hello, although immunotherapy has not been shown to cure esophageal cancer, it is used to help control esophageal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. You can learn more about esophageal cancer and it’s treatment at www.cancer.gov/types/esophageal/patient/esophageal-treatment-pdq. Take care.

[@joolinliew1946]

Can this product help in autoimmune diseases?

[@NCIgov]

Hello, Joo. Doctors and researchers are still working to determine whether immunotherapies may be a safe and effective treatment for cancer patients with autoimmune diseases as well only autoimmune diseases. You can learn more here: www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2019/immunotherapy-cancer-autoimmune-diseases-clinical-trial and by contacting the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: www.niaid.nih.gov/global/contact-us Take care.

[@anttivalimaki7339]

How about making array comparison of DNA, RNA, proteasome, and glycocalyx etc. cell surface markers. First harvest of undifferentiated (prime?) cells and generating those to the very persons own all cell types. Then comparison within cancer cell and all cell markers. Southern blot, dot blot, western blot etc. VIS absorbance measurement in multiarray of maybe 1000x1000 units, automeasurement with RBG-led input CMOS multicolor absorbance density of substance-ligande binding density. In the ground of founding density of primarily surface markers, start i.v. treatment with at least ten immunogenic upregulating or downregulating substances, IgG or other type. Nibis can be used inside cell, mabis to surface. This treatment could be rheumatoid disease - cancer disease - inflammatory modulating medication. Comparison of impact of treatment could be clinical. Mental, physical, cardiorespiratory and neurological health, force, motoric skills and abilities and sensoric nervous system health. Disease impact could be monitored with ultrasound, CT, MRI, contrast mediator or without, and iron enhanced MRI.

[@NCIgov]

Hi Antti, Thank you for your interest in cancer research. The NCI formally evaluates scientific hypotheses through a structured, competitive grants review process. The resource, The Grants Process, The Lifecycle of a Grant, provides a general description of the NCI grants process. This resource can be viewed here: www.cancer.gov/grants-training/grants-process/grants-process.pdf. For information about the NCI grant application process, please view www.cancer.gov/grants-training/grants-process.

[@Gamer_Tanks]

What can we do to prevent cancer

[@hopebeauty847]

Interesting.

[@ameliac504]

These work best with cancers with cells that dont have chromosomal instabilities like Melanoma

[@NCIgov]

Hi Amelia, Immunotherapy is used to treat many different types of cancer, including melanomas. The following link discusses the use of immunotherapy to treat melanoma (scroll down to the Immunotherapy section) here: www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/melanoma-treatment-pdq#_135. You are correct that immunotherapy is not appropriate or effective for every type of cancer and any cancer patient can ask their own doctor if immunotherapies are right for them. Take care.

[@thesoulbutterfly]

Also for triple negative?

[@NCIgov]

Hello, Immunotherapy is being evaluated as a treatment for triple-negative breast cancer in clinical trials, which are research studies involving humans. You can learn more about clinical trials here: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/. Please feel free to reach out to the NCI’s Contact Center for more detailed information:www.cancer.gov/contact/contact-center . Take care.

[@hoaha4377]

what about other normal cells? Do they being attacked by T cells?

[@NCIgov]

Hi Hoa, we are not sure what you mean by your question. T-cell transfer therapy is a type of immunotherapy that makes your own immune cells better able to attack cancer. There are two main types of T-cell transfer therapy: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (or TIL) therapy and CAR T-cell therapy. You can learn more about this type of immunotherapy at www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/t-cell-transfer-therapy. Take care.

[@WilliamBarker]

1:51 "changed"....(genetically modified)

[@NCIgov]

Hello, William. It sounds like you are asking specifically about T cell therapy. The following resources have more information: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/car-t-cells and www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Take care.

[@bts_rollercosterlifepurplearmy]

What is BCG ??

[@NCIgov]

BCG is a weakened form of the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis (bacillus Calmette-Guérin) that does not cause disease. BCG is used in a solution to stimulate the immune system in the treatment of bladder cancer and as a vaccine to prevent tuberculosis. You can read more about this treatment here: medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682809.html. Take care.

[@3rkowtf669]

Is this treatment something that’s referred by specialist that diagnosed the patient or does the patient needs to sign up by himself/herself at some particular website for treatment like this,only asking because this treatment Kinda looks more promising than a regular chemo therapy, correct me if I’m wrong, great video.

[@NCIgov]

Hi 3rkowtf. Immunotherapy drugs have been approved to treat many types of cancers. Cancer patients can talk with their doctor to find out whether immunotherapy would be an appropriate treatment option for them. You can learn more about immunotherapy including the different types, side effects, and clinical trials (research studies) here: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Take care.

[@nongdrenrajkumar6408]

Can we stop chemotherapy once we start immunotherapy?

[@NCIgov]

Hi Nongdren, A patient’s doctor is in the best position to make specific treatment recommendations. Sometimes immunotherapy is given alone, while other times it is administering along with chemotherapy. The following resource provides more information about immunotherapy: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Take care.

[@canavirichurakarenanahi9670]

cool animation

[@sidhu6877]

I have a salution cancer problem

[@lolaoopa2953]

can it cure bone cancer ?

[@NCIgov]

Hello, Lola. It is unclear if you are referring to cancer that has spread to the bone from another place in the body (for example, breast cancer or prostate cancer that has spread to the bone and would be referred to as metastatic cancer) or if you are referring to cancer that started in the bone. Immunotherapies such as monoclonal antibodies (a type of protein made in the laboratory that can bind to substances in the body, including cancer cells) may be used to treat a primary bone cancer like an osteosarcoma that has come back after previous treatment. While immunotherapy is a newer form of cancer treatment and is not as widely used as chemotherapy and radiation, it has been approved to treat many types of cancer. You can learn more here: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Take care.

[@lolaoopa2953]

@@NCIgov Thanks alot for the answer

[@lolaoopa2953]

@@NCIgov I asked because my doctor found a tumor in my mouth and it was thought to be bone cancer but fortunately after taking part of it and diagnosing it it was found that it's due to an old dental abcess

[@immadisarojini2775]

Nice

[@kranthikumar9141]

Thank you so much madam

[@maximhollandnederlandthene7640]

Prevent for cancer first place !!! No smoking and only limited use of alcohol. 🤗 Eat fresh foods and vedgies.

[@xghost4469]

My dad became a zombie

[@diwali333]

Can you please explain?