Immunotherapy and Saint John’s Cancer Institute
For over 40 years, the Saint John’s Cancer Institute has been at the forefront of research into how tumors interact with the immune system. Co-founder Donald L. Morton, MD, was a pioneer in this field, developing methods to harness the immune system’s power to combat cancer. In the early 1970s, Dr. Morton successfully used Bacilli Calmette-Guérin (BCG), a weakened strain of the tuberculosis bacterium, to treat melanoma tumors, marking the first successful use of immunotherapy against metastatic human cancer.
Immunotherapy for Melanoma Cancer
Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment that is revolutionizing the way melanoma and other malignancies are managed. Unlike conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, immunotherapy works by harnessing the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. This innovative method helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, which often evade detection because they share traits with healthy cells.
How Immunotherapy Works
Immunotherapy drugs activate specific molecules on the surface of immune cells, triggering an immune response. These drugs help the body circumvent the subterfuge of cancer cells, allowing the immune system to identify and destroy them. This approach has shown remarkable success in treating melanoma, particularly in advanced stages.
Types of Immunotherapies
- CTLA-4 Inhibitors: In 2011, the FDA approved ipilimumab, a drug that targets the CTLA-4 protein. This checkpoint molecule acts as an “off switch” for T cells, preventing them from attacking healthy cells but also blocking them from attacking tumors. Ipilimumab has been shown to extend survival in patients with metastatic melanoma, with more than 20% of patients alive three years after treatment.
- PD-1 and PD-L1 Inhibitors: Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are drugs that target PD-1 and PD-L1 proteins, which also act as immune system brakes. Pembrolizumab has produced responses in approximately one-third of patients.
- Intra-Tumoral Immunotherapy: One of the most promising areas of research involves administering treatments directly into tumors. This method allows for higher doses to be delivered specifically to the cancer while sparing the rest of the body. Intra-tumoral immunotherapy aims to kill the injected tumors and generate a broader immune response, similar to vaccination. Investigated therapies include oncolytic viruses, gene therapies, and established vaccine adjuvants.
New Treatments and Guidelines
Recent advancements in melanoma treatment include the approval of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, which amplifies the cancer-fighting immune cells already present in a patient’s melanoma.
Lifileucel, the first TIL therapy approved for clinical use, has shown promise in extending survival for patients with metastatic melanoma.
Additionally, new guidelines emphasize the importance of accurate staging and personalized treatment plans, incorporating sentinel lymph node biopsy and advanced imaging techniques.
Support and Care
At our facility, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach to care, involving specialists across various disciplines. These experts participate in cancer tumor boards, where they evaluate and discuss each case in detail. This collaborative effort ensures that every patient receives a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan, leveraging the collective expertise of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals. We’re here to support you and help you navigate through this challenging time. Whether you’re looking for expert opinions or want to learn more about clinical trials, your health and well-being are our top priorities. We’re committed to providing you with the best possible care and information.
