Overview of T-Cell Therapy: An Enormous Breakthrough in the Fight against Cancer

Abstract

Background: Cancer cells are cells which have relinquished their capacity to adhere to typical regulatory controls. As cancer progresses, it can spread to adjacent tissues, posing   significant risk to one's survival. Current approach towards cancer management involves; Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and Cyber-knife. These produce immunosuppression, which could last from 6 weeks to several years. Current dogma of cancer progression is linked to the immune status of the patient; important to balance the immune markers for cancer patients. Efforts to reset the body's immune system clock can lead to improved disease outcomes and prognosis. Key Facts: T cells serve as the defenders of the immune system and defend the body from cancer. Non-specific activation of T-cells leads to increased T-cell numbers, discharge of pro-inflammatory and anti-tumor cytokines. Cells that are not specific to antigens can identify tumor cells by recognizing stress signals, causing them to destroy the tumor cells and release hidden tumor antigens. Cytokines produced by different cells attract immune cells, such as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that ingest tumor antigens, triggering the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells specific to those antigens.  Cells, whether specific to antigens or not, demonstrate the ability to fight against tumor cells by selectively attacking tumor antigens and stress signals. The secretion of cytokines by antigen-specific cells serves to sustain and perpetually attract cells that are not specific to antigens within the tumor microenvironment. Conclusion: Non-specific T-cells could help reset the immunological deficiencies in body, which could translate to reduced incidence of tumor load.