Cancer immunotherapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, have transformed treatment for over 25 cancers, especially advanced melanoma. Survival rates have noticeably improved, indicating remarkable progress in the fight against cancer. Historical advancements trace back to pioneer William B. Coley in 1891, whose bacteriotherapy sparked interest in immunotherapy despite initial skepticism. Major investments in biomedical research post-World War II significantly propelled understanding and application of the immune system in cancer treatment. Ongoing research aims to personalize immunotherapy, targeting individual tumor characteristics and enhancing immune response persistence.
Today, immune checkpoint inhibitors - a type of immunotherapy - have been approved for more than 25 types of cancer. For advanced melanoma, outcomes have been astounding.
Just 15 years ago, only 1 in 20 patients with metastatic skin cancer would survive for five years. Today, advanced melanoma patients treated with a combination of immunotherapies have a 10-year survival rate of 50 percent or higher.
Coley is recognized as the 'father of cancer immunotherapy' for his pioneering efforts, which began a change in how cancer is treated.
Major federal investments in U.S. biomedical research after World War II enabled scientists to begin realizing the promise of using the immune system to fight cancer.
#cancer-immunotherapy #melanoma-treatment #william-b-coley #immune-checkpoint-inhibitors #biomedical-research
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