How immunotherapy works

Thursday 19 June 2008 07:19 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

* Cancer immunotherapy is the technique of harnessing the body's immune system to attack the cancer.

* The immune system normally responds to threats to the body by distinguishing between itself and foreign invaders.

* In the case of cancer, this is difficult because most tumours consist of the body's own cells growing out of control.

* However, many cancer cells display unusual antigens or receptors on their surface that allows them to be identified.

* Antibodies and cancer vaccines to stimulate the immune system are being developed to attack these tumour cells.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in