Principles of Cancer Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is now recognized as the “fourth pillar” of cancer therapy. As immunological approaches are translated into the clinic for human and veterinary cancer patients, it is essential for oncologists and other health care professionals to have a thorough understanding of immunophysiology and immunopathology, as this will allow them to appreciate the balance between the potential benefits and the considerable risks of immunotherapy. This lecture will emphasize general principles of immunotherapy, describe several approaches that have been or are being translated from the laboratory to the clinic, and provide selected examples of how gains in immunotherapy are being translated to companion animals with cancer. The presentation is divided into five sections. The first section will present a brief primer of immunophysiology and immunopathology. The viewer is strongly encouraged to watch the previous lecture in this series entitled, “Building the Immune Environment of Cancer.” The second section will review mechanisms whereby the immunosuppressive barrier can be disrupted and through which the immune system can attack the tumor. The third section will cover a brief history of immunotherapy, illustrating the centuries-old interest in this field. The fourth section will review general approaches to immunotherapy with select examples of their application in companion animals. The fifth and final section will introduce the emerging area of cancer Immunoprophylaxis, which represents the next frontier for cancer immunotherapy.

By the end of the course, you will:

• Be able to discuss the mechanisms that initiate, terminate, and suppress immune responses, and their impact on cancer immunotherapy
• Understand the opportunities and limitations for immunomodulation and immunotherapy across the diversity of cancers
• Appreciate the myriad approaches that can be used for cancer treatment, and potentially for immunoprevention to reduce cancer risk

RACE Application Status

This module has been submitted and approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval.

For additional questions, please contact us at Learning@ACVIM.org.