[Palliative immunotherapy of cancer]

In addition to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, immunotherapy of cancer resembles a potential treatment strategy for patients with cancer. To strengthen the immune system might help to control or even to eradicate malignant tumors. Immunoaugmentative strategies include biological response modifiers as interferons and interleukins. Recently, monoclonal antibodies directed against tumor associated antigens and coupled with radioisotopes or cytotoxic agents have become available. Adoptive immunotherapy uses immune effector cells, i.e. T-cells or natural-killer cells that are activated in-vitro by appropriate cytokines. Dendritic cells, either unstimulated or pulsed with tumor derived molecules have shown promising anticancer activity in selected tumors. Immunonutrition, that is the manipulation of immune phenomenons through edibles is a new and interesting topic. Immunologic strategies for the treatment of malignant diseases are currently under intensive preclinical and clinical investigation. Further insights into the mechanisms of host-defense against cancer cells and the modification of immune-effector cells might pave the way to efficient treatment strategies, even in the palliative setting.