Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. Here's a simple explanation of what immunotherapy is and how it's used to treat blood cancer:

What is Immunotherapy?

•  Immunotherapy works by boosting the body's natural defenses, known as the immune system, to recognize and attack cancer cells.
• It can be administered in various forms, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T cell therapy, and cytokines.

How is it Used to Treat Blood Cancer?

•  Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of blood cancer by offering new options for patients who may not respond to traditional therapies.
• In blood cancer, immunotherapy drugs target specific proteins or markers on cancer cells, helping the immune system recognize and destroy them.
• Monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab and daratumumab, are commonly used to treat certain types of leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma by targeting proteins on cancer cells and marking them for destruction by immune cells.
• CAR-T cell therapy involves modifying a patient's own T cells in the laboratory to recognize and attack cancer cells. This approach has shown promising results in treating certain types of leukemia and lymphoma.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, work by releasing the brakes on the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer cells more effectively. These drugs are used to treat some types of lymphoma.

Immunotherapy can offer durable responses and improved survival outcomes for patients with blood cancer. However, it's important to note that not all patients will respond to immunotherapy, and side effects can occur. Close monitoring and personalized treatment plans are essential for optimizing outcomes with immunotherapy.