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Treatment and the treatment process

The logic of immunotherapy

Leukaemia cells can "hide" from the immune system; immunotherapy makes them visible again.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A hiding cell — The logic of immunotherapy
Figure 1.A hiding cell — The logic of immunotherapy

01Short answer

Normally the immune system finds and destroys abnormal cells. Leukaemia hides its markers or weakens immune cells. Immunotherapy helps in three ways: it flags the cell (antibody), brings an immune cell close to it (bispecific antibody) or rebuilds the immune cell (CAR-T). Some immune cells can persist for a long time as memory.

02Simple explanation

Topic. the logic of immunotherapy.

Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.

Write down. Your questions.

Overview. The article “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

03Scientific explanation

Immune escape: loss of the antigen lets leukaemia slip past treatment.

Memory: CAR-T cells can persist for months.

04What happens in the body?

The logic of immunotherapy

Normally the immune system finds and destroys abnormal cells. Leukaemia hides its markers or weakens immune cells. Immunotherapy helps in three ways: it flags the cell (antibody), brings an immune cell close to it (bispecific antibody) or rebuilds the immune cell (CAR-T). Some immune cells can persist for a long time as memory.

In more detail

Immune escape: loss of the antigen lets leukaemia slip past treatment. Memory: CAR-T cells can persist for months.

A spark of recognition.
Figure 2.A spark of recognition.

The overview

This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

Memory cells — The logic of immunotherapy
Figure 3.Memory cells — The logic of immunotherapy

05The logic of immunotherapy: the steps

Four steps.

Hiding — Leukaemia.1HidingLeukaemia.
Visible — Flagging.2VisibleFlagging.
Attack — Immune cell.3AttackImmune cell.
Memory — Lasting defence.4MemoryLasting defence.

06Three routes

RouteProblemSolution
FlaggingCell not seenAntibody
Bringing closeImmune cell far awayBispecific antibody
RebuildingImmune cell does not recogniseCAR-T

07Key terms

Immune escape
Leukaemia evading immunity.
T cell
An immune cell that kills targets.

08Key points

  • Everyone’s plan is individual.
  • Write down and bring your questions.
  • Report new symptoms early.
  • Do not change medicines yourself.
  • For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
  • Overview: “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

09Frequently asked questions

Why does immunotherapy sometimes stop working?

The leukaemia can lose its target marker.

Is this the same for everyone?

No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.

Where is the overview?

In the article “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Why does immunotherapy sometimes stop working?

  2. Is this the same for everyone?

  3. Where is the overview?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). CAR T Cells: Engineering Immune Cells to Treat Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Monoclonal Antibodies
  4. MedlinePlus. Hypothyroidism
  5. MedlinePlus. Osteoporosis
  6. MedlinePlus. Depression
  7. NHS. Acute myeloid leukaemia: Treatment
  8. American Cancer Society. Treating Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
  9. American Cancer Society. Fertility and Women With Cancer / Men With Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Biomarker Testing / Precision Medicine
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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