Why doesn the immune system kill cancer cells?
Germs are very different from normal human cells. Cancer cells are also different. But since they start in your own body, they may not be different enough for the immune system to recognize them as foreign. Or they may give off substances that reduce the immune system response. That’s where immunotherapy comes in. Scientists are finding ways to help the immune system recognize cancer cells and have a stronger response to them. Are there different types of immunotherapy? The three types of immunotherapy are: • Passive. In this type, antibodies are made in a lab and put into your body. Monoclonal antibodies are a kind of passive immunotherapy. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is an example of a monoclonal antibody that is used to treat breast cancer. • Active. This type stimulates your body’s immune system to work harder. Cancer vaccines are active immunotherapy, because they trigger the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. So far, no cancer vaccines have been approved, but many types are
