In 1909, Paul Ehrlich hypothesized that the human body constantly generates neoplastic cells that are eradicated by the immune system 3. The concept of cancer immunotherapy resurfaced in the twentieth century and made significant headway with the advent of new technology. However, lack of scientific rigour and reproducibility, in concert with the discovery of radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents, prevented treatment with ‘Coley’s toxins’ from becoming standard practice 1. This extract, termed ‘Coley’s toxins’, possessed potent immunostimulatory properties and achieved favourable responses in various cancers 2. pyogenes and Serratia marcescens to boost immunity 3. With hopes of prospectively verifying his epidemiological evidence, Coley treated patients with cancer with extracts of heat-inactivated S. Later, William Coley, often called the ‘Father of Cancer Immunotherapy’, retrospectively demonstrated that erysipelas was associated with a better outcome in patients with sarcoma 2.
STANFORD IMMUNOTHERAPY FREE CLINICAL TRIALS SKIN
They noticed spontaneous regression of tumours following the development of erysipelas, a superficial skin infection most commonly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes 1. Wilhelm Busch and Friedrich Fehleisen were the first to describe an epidemiological association between immune status and cancer. The idea to deploy the immune system as a tool to treat neoplastic disease originated in the nineteenth century 1. Finally, we summarize emerging therapies and emphasize the yet to be elucidated questions and future promise within the field of cancer immunotherapy.
We highlight clinical trials that demonstrate therapeutic efficacy and toxicities associated with each class of drug. Here, we provide a comprehensive historical and biological perspective regarding the advent and clinical implementation of cancer immunotherapeutics, with an emphasis on the fundamental importance of T lymphocyte regulation. This area of immunological research has been highly active for the past 50 years and is now enjoying unprecedented bench-to-bedside clinical success. Basic science discoveries elucidating the molecular and cellular biology of the T cell have led to new strategies in this fight, including checkpoint blockade, adoptive cellular therapy and cancer vaccinology. The T lymphocyte, especially its capacity for antigen-directed cytotoxicity, has become a central focus for engaging the immune system in the fight against cancer.
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