Rationale of the use of immunostimulatory OncozacWhat is cancer

Rationale of the use of immunostimulatory OncozacWhat is cancer?Cancer refers to approximately 150 diseases when normal host cells undergo malignant transformation and begin to divide uncontrollably, resulting in invasion of surrounding tissues or distant spread of disease.Cancer and immune systemBeyond controversy, some degrees of immune response against cancer exist in humans. Clinical results showed that stimulation of the immune system could lead to tumor regression in some patients. The link between cancer and the immune system is further suggested by the fact that people with an impaired immune system, such as AIDS patients, are more likely to develop certain cancers. It is thus theorized that the body produces cancer cells fairly regularly, but eliminates most of them before they can spread or form a tumor. Based on this reasoning, cancer has an opportunity to develop only when the immunosurveillance fails (i.e. immunodeficiency). In other words, enhancement of host immune system may help reduce the occurrence of cancer development.ImmunodeficiencyImmunodeficiency disorders must be considered in two major categories: the primary immunodeficiency, often genetically determined, and secondary immunodeficiency states. The latter occur as complications of infections and infestations, gastrointestinal disorders, malnutrition, aging, lymphoid malignancies, other cancers and many other diseases. Immunodeficiency of varying severity is also encountered as a side effect of many treatment modalities, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy for cancer. From this perspective, the primary and secondary immunodeficiencies are not rare diseases. These problems have necessitated a search for novel therapeutic agents that have the property of immunopotentiation (i.e. immunotherapy).ImmunotherapyConventionally, cancer is usually managed by surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recognizing the immune system’s remarkable ability to defend the body against diseases, medical scientists have long dreamed of developing a new form of treatment for cancer—immunotherapy. The aim of cancer immunotherapy is to bolster the immune system so that it is better able to combat cancer cells. Currently, several forms of immunotherapy are being explored in research laboratories and clinical trials. Based on the studies conducted to date, the role of immunotherapy in the treatment of malignancy may be in combination with other conventional treatment modalities.