immünoterapi

Immünoterapi, also known as immunotherapy, is a type of cancer treatment that harnesses the power of a patient's own immune system to fight cancer. The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against infections and diseases. Cancer cells, however, can sometimes evade the immune system's detection and destruction. Immunotherapy aims to overcome this evasion by stimulating or enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer.

There are several types of immunotherapy. One common approach involves using checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs block proteins on immune cells that act as "brakes," preventing them from attacking cancer cells. By releasing these brakes, the immune system can more effectively target and destroy tumors. Another type is adoptive cell transfer, where a patient's immune cells are collected, genetically modified in a laboratory to better recognize cancer, and then infused back into the patient. Cancer vaccines are also being developed to train the immune system to recognize and respond to specific cancer antigens.

Immunotherapy has shown significant promise in treating various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. While it can be highly effective for some patients, it is not a cure for all cancers, and its effectiveness can vary widely. Like all medical treatments, immunotherapy can also have side effects, which are often related to an overactive immune response. These can range from mild skin rashes to more serious autoimmune reactions. Researchers continue to investigate new ways to improve the efficacy and manage the side effects of immunotherapies.