Lung cancer is clinically characterized by the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the lung. Lung cancer is primarily classified into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC generally progresses slower than SCLC, which grows rapidly and metastasizes quickly. Furthermore, NSCLCcan be categorized as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or even less frequent subtypes.
Treating Lung Cancer with Immunotherapy
One of the most common and effective approaches to treating lung cancer is immunotherapy. This method stimulates the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.
Immunotherapy for NSCLC: Traditional immunotherapy options for NSCLC include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, checkpoint inhibitors, and anti-angiogenic agents. If a targetable molecular alteration is present (e.g., ALK-1, ROS, BRAF), additional drugs are available for treatment. Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab and nivolumab target PD-1, while tremelimumab targets CTLA-4. Anti-angiogenic agents such asbevacizumab prevent the formation of blood vessels, decreasing the tumor’s nutrient and oxygen supply.
Immunotherapy for SCLC: SCLC, immunotherapy treatments include checkpoint inhibitors like atezolizumab and experimental approaches. Such treatments aim to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack SCLC cells more effectively.
Immunotherapy for Metastatic Lung Cancer: Immunotherapy for metastatic lung cancer focuses on harnessing the immune system to target cancer that has spread beyond the lungs to distant parts of the body. In stage III lung cancer, this involves lymph nodes, while in stage IV cancer, metastases have spread to other organs. Treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies can be used to manage and treat lung cancer at stage three and stage four. To treat metastatic lung cancer, cancer vaccines can be injected directly into the tumor, depending on its location, to enhance the immune response specifically at the tumor site. Immunotherapy aims to extend survival and improve quality of life by leveraging the immune system’s ability to target and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
Oncolytic Viruses for Lung Cancer
The application of oncolytic viruses is an experimental treatment for lung cancer that targets tumor cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. These viruses can induce cancer cell death directly through apoptosis and also activate the immune response to attack metastatic cancer cells.
Lung Cancer Vaccines
Lung cancer vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. At Biotherapy International, personalized vaccines are developed using tumor samples obtained from each patient, enhancing the immune system’s ability to target and eliminate cancer cells. In cases of metastatic cancer, these vaccines can be injected directly into the tumor, depending on the tumor location, to boost the immune response specifically at the tumor site.
The ATACK Method
The ATACK method (Allogeneic Targeted Activated Cancer Killers) is an immunotherapy approach that uses donor cells to attack cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies enhance this mechanism, and therefore ATACK is reported to be effective. It is important to note that this method is typically recommended during the minimal residual disease (MRD) stage, when it can eliminate all resistant malignant cells, including cancer stem cells. The ATACK method is a patented development by Professor Shimon Slavin and is available exclusively at Biotherapy International.
Future Directions in Lung Cancer Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of lung cancer, offering hope and new possibilities for patients across different stages of the disease. By stimulating the immune system, immunotherapy provides targeted and personalized approaches that can potentially extend survival and improve quality of life in cancer patients. The effectiveness of immunotherapy varies depending on the cancer’s type, stage, and individual patient factors, such as the molecular profile of the tumor in NSCLC. However, ongoing research and clinical advancements continue to improve the outlook for many patients, providing new hope in the fight against lung cancer.
