Immunotherapy: A Game-Changer in Cancer Treatment
Innovative Approach in Cancer Management
In an interview with dvm360 at the Directions in Veterinary Medicine symposium in Nashville, Tennessee, Michael D. Lucroy, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), chief medical officer of Torigen Inc, explains how immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer treatment.
Understanding Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a game-changing treatment approach that works in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Unlike traditional methods, immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. It has gained significant attention in the medical field in recent years due to its potential to provide long-lasting responses and fewer side effects.
Personalized Cancer Vaccines
Torigen Inc, a renowned pharmaceutical company, is at the forefront of developing personalized cancer vaccines. These vaccines are created using the patient’s own tumor tissue, providing a unique blend of cancer antigens that train the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. This innovative approach shows promising results in enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms against cancer.
Enhancing Cancer Patient Care
Traditionally, cancer treatment involved surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, the immune system plays a vital role in managing cancer patients. Immunotherapy not only helps in managing cancer but also overcomes obstacles posed by the immune system itself. By harnessing the immune system’s capabilities, immunotherapy offers a new dimension in cancer patient care.
Expert Opinion
In an interview, Michael D. Lucroy, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), chief medical officer of Torigen Inc, shares his views on immunotherapy: “As far as immunotherapy goes, we kind of think about classically 3 pillars of managing our cancer patients. But in the last several decades, there’s been a lot of innovation and understanding how the immune system helps, as far as managing cancer, but also how it gets in the way of managing a cancer patient. Our company aims to provide a personalized vaccine that trains the immune system, specific to each cancer patient.”
