Immunotherapy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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immunotherapy
[ˌɪmjʊnəʊˈθɛrəpi ]
Definitions
medical treatment
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. The goal of immunotherapy is to boost the body's natural defenses to attack cancer cells.
Synonyms
biological therapy, immunological therapy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| immunotherapy |
Often used in the context of treatments for cancer and other chronic diseases, immunotherapy refers to a broad range of treatments that utilize the body's immune system to fight diseases.
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| immunological therapy |
Less commonly used in everyday language, this term is often found in scientific literature and refers to any treatment that involves the immune system. It's more specific than biological therapy but less commonly used than immunotherapy.
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| biological therapy |
This term is commonly used to describe therapies that use substances made from living organisms to treat diseases. It is often applied in the context of cancer treatment as well as autoimmune diseases.
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Examples of usage
- Immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating certain types of cancer.
- Some patients may experience side effects from immunotherapy.
- Immunotherapy is becoming an increasingly important tool in the fight against cancer.
allergy treatment
Immunotherapy is a treatment for allergies that involves exposing the patient to small amounts of the allergen to desensitize the immune system.
Synonyms
allergen immunotherapy, desensitization therapy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| immunotherapy |
Refers to a broad category of treatments that use certain parts of a person's immune system to fight diseases. This can include treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and allergies.
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| allergen immunotherapy |
A specific type of immunotherapy focused on reducing the sensitivity to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. Often used to treat allergic reactions and improve symptoms over time.
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| desensitization therapy |
Another term for allergen immunotherapy, emphasizing the goal of reducing the body's sensitivity to allergens. Commonly mentioned in the context of allergy treatments.
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Examples of usage
- Immunotherapy can be effective in reducing allergy symptoms over time.
- Some people opt for immunotherapy when other allergy treatments have not been successful.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Development
- In the 1890s, a physician named William Coley began using bacteria to stimulate the immune response in cancer patients, marking the beginnings of immunotherapy.
- In the 2010s, new cancer drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors were developed, significantly changing treatment options, and are now widely used.
Science
- Immunotherapy can involve using substances made by the body or in a laboratory to enhance the immune response.
- There are various types of immunotherapy, including monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and cancer vaccines, each working in unique ways.
Pop Culture
- Movies and shows often depict superheroes who fight evil villains, reflecting the idea of the immune system battling diseases.
- In documentaries and shows about health, immunotherapy is often highlighted for its groundbreaking potential in fighting cancer.
Psychology
- Patients receiving immunotherapy often experience hope and motivation, as the approach leverages the body’s own abilities to heal.
- Understanding and learning about immunotherapy can significantly reduce anxiety among patients and their families regarding treatment.
Origin of 'immunotherapy'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'immunis,' meaning 'free or exempt from' and Greek 'therapeia,' meaning 'healing.'
- The term was first used in medical literature in the early 20th century, as scientists began to explore ways to use the body’s defenses against illness.
The concept of immunotherapy dates back to the late 19th century when William Coley, a surgeon, observed that cancer patients who experienced bacterial infections sometimes saw their tumors shrink. This observation led to the development of early forms of immunotherapy. Over the years, researchers have made significant advancements in the field, leading to the development of various types of immunotherapy for cancer and other conditions.