Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that stimulates the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. While it has shown significant success in various types of cancer, its role in breast cancer treatment is still evolving. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, here are some ways immunotherapy is being used in treating breast cancer:
1. **Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors:** These drugs block certain proteins on the surface of immune cells or cancer cells, preventing them from inhibiting the immune system's response. PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors are examples of checkpoint inhibitors that have been tested in breast cancer.
2. **HER2-Positive Breast Cancer:** Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a targeted therapy that has been used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. It works by stimulating the immune system or by directly targeting the HER2 protein on the surface of cancer cells.
3. **Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC):** This type of breast cancer lacks estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 expression. Immunotherapy, particularly PD-L1 inhibitors like atezolizumab, has shown promise in treating advanced TNBC in combination with chemotherapy.
4. **Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs):** TILs are immune cells that have infiltrated the tumor. Some research explores the use of TILs as a form of immunotherapy for breast cancer. TIL therapy involves isolating these immune cells from a patient's tumor, expanding their numbers in the laboratory, and then infusing them back into the patient.
5. **Vaccine Therapies:** Therapeutic cancer vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. These vaccines are still in the experimental stages for breast cancer.
It's essential to note that the landscape of cancer treatment, including immunotherapy, is continually evolving with ongoing research and clinical trials. New developments and treatment options may have emerged since my last update. Always consult with healthcare professionals for the most up-to-date information regarding treatment options for breast cancer.
