Immunotherapy (definition of)

Although researchers have not yet discovered the mechanism, their work indicates that the body's own immune system may be a factor in determining a cancer patient's outcome. Immunotherapy research is attempting to discover how the immune system can be used in fighting cancer, such as mesothelioma. Interferon is one example of how oncologists are already employing such treatments.

Immunotherapies may be either "active" or "passive." The former stimulates the body's immune system in order to fight the malignancy, while the later attempts to isolate elements of the immune system that attack disease under laboratory conditions, then administering these to the patient

Some immunotherapy treatments have properties of both. Monoclonal antibodies are one example of how the immune system can be used to attack cancer directly as it assists in the identification of cancer cells.

Immunotherapy treatments have been researched for several years but have only recently come into common use. Clinical trials are ongoing, but it may be years before this type of treatment reaches its full potential (see Mesothelioma Treatment Guide for more information).