For many years, it has been believed that the most useful and effective treatments for cancer are chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. Although these methods have been proven useful, they are not without downsides. A lot of these disadvantages are that these treatments kill both healthy and cancerous cells which gravely weaken and affect the body. But as new information surges, some researchers suspect that immunotherapy may be a better and safer alternative. Dr. Ezra Cohen, co-director of the Precision Immunotherapy Clinic at UC San Diego, claims that positive responses have stemmed from this treatment and some may even be cured.
Immunotherapy comes in a variety of kinds in order to treat the many different causes of cancer, but the most common one uses checkpoint inhibitors. These are drugs that allow the immune response to work at its maximum potential by taking certain cells from the blood and programming them to target the tumor. Vaccines are also in development in order to boost the immune system. Within these vaccines, scientists are creating monoclonal antibodies that are said to make the attack stronger on cancerous cells.
As of right now, research is still being performed on this specific type of treatment. Scientists and researchers have concluded that it has only worked for 20% of cancer patients, with some experiencing side effects and others experiencing minimal to none at all. Although, because of these findings, this treatment has been approved to be worked on around 20 different types of cancers such as melanoma, head and neck, kidney, bladder, breast, non-small-cell lung cancer, among many others. Dr. Cohen mentions, “This is signaling a new era of cancer therapy.” One must hope that this is a sign of a life where cancer can be cured.
QUIZ
How prone are you to cancer?
How often do you engage in tobacco?
Everyday (5 points)
Often (3)
Only on certain occasions (2)
Not at all
Do you have a healthy diet?
Yes, it is balanced (0)
I have more cheat days than I should (2)
I should be healthier (3)
No (5)
How often do you drink alcohol?
None at all (0)
Only on special occasions (1)
Often (3)
everyday (5)
How active are you?
Very (0)
I do not engage in any physical activity (5)
I engage in physical activity once a week (2)
I engage in physical activity twice a week (1)
Do you protect yourself from the sun?
I like to sunbathe whenever I can (5)
I'm often under the sun (3)
I'm rarely under the sun (1)
If I'm under the sun I use sunscreen (0)
Results:
18-25: there is a high chance you may have cancer. We highly suggest you speak with your local doctor.
10-18: Although you are not at high risk, there are some habits that may develop into cancer.
1-9: You are at low risk of cancer. There is nothing to worry about.
Comments