The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the worst forms of cancer that can develop in an individual. Traditionally, chemotherapy is administered but it has very limited success. Using the immune system to treat the cancer is very enticing and many studies have been conducted to attempt to harness the body’s own mechanisms to defeat the cancer. It seems that in order to properly treat the tumor a two pronged approach must be used. First, the immune system must be stimulated to react to the tumor and attack it. A possible cytokine that can be utilized is interferon alpha, which could result in a proliferation of T cells, but also appears to cause severe side effects. This can be overcome by introducing the interferon virally. Second, immune suppression must be overcome. This can be accomplished by using antibodies to destroy regulatory (CD-25) T cells that would ordinarily prevent a T cell response. However, care must be taken to avoid inducing autoimmunity.
Recommended Citation
Lehrfield, Y. (2014). Immunotherapy As a Treatment Option for Patients With Pancreatic Cancer. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 8(1). Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol8/iss1/6
