Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses substances similar to the ones that the body's immune system produces to destroy cancer cells. When you have an infection, your immune system releases many specialized proteins called cytokines. They help fight the infection. Some of these cytokines can also help fight cancer cells. Normally the body produces very small amounts of these cytokines. But it is possible to make large quantities of cancer-fighting cytokines in a laboratory.

Glossary
Cancer
A general term for more than 100 different diseases that involve the uncontrolled increase of abnormal new cells. These cells form tumors that can destroy surrounding tissue and spread throughout the body.
Cytokines
Proteins released by the immune system that control several functions of the immune system.
Immunotherapy
A form of therapy that stimulates the immune system to kill or control cancer cells. Also called biochemical therapy or biotherapy.
Interferons
Proteins produced naturally by white blood cells that stimulate the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. Manufactured forms of interferons are used in cancer immunotherapy to improve the body's natural response to disease.
Interleukins
Special proteins released by the immune system to fight bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances.