What is Immunotherapy?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
Immunotherapy uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer and other diseases.
- 2.
There are several types of immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, T-cell transfer therapy, monoclonal antibodies, and cancer vaccines.
- 3.
Checkpoint inhibitors block proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells, allowing the immune system to recognize and destroy them.
- 4.
T-cell transfer therapy involves taking immune cells from the patient, modifying them in a lab to better target cancer cells, and then re-infusing them back into the patient.
Visual Insights
Immunotherapy: Mechanism, Types, and Challenges
A visual representation of the core concepts of immunotherapy, its mechanisms, different types, and the associated challenges, particularly in the Indian context.
Immunotherapy
- ●Core Principle
- ●Key Types
- ●Challenges & Debates
- ●Regulatory & Policy Context
Recent Real-World Examples
3 examplesIllustrated in 3 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Apr 2026
Source Topic
Debate on Cancer Drug Affordability: Oncologists Suggest Smaller Doses
Social IssuesUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
61. What is Immunotherapy and why is it important for the UPSC exam?
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. It is important for the UPSC exam, particularly for GS-3 (Science and Technology) and GS-2 (Health), as questions can focus on the types of immunotherapy, their mechanisms, applications, and challenges.
Exam Tip
Remember the different types of immunotherapy and their mechanisms of action for the exam.
2. How does Immunotherapy work in practice?
Immunotherapy works by enhancing the body's natural ability to fight diseases. It doesn't directly attack the cancer like chemotherapy or radiation. Instead, it boosts the immune system to find and attack harmful substances like cancer cells. Different types of immunotherapy work in unique ways to enhance the immune response. For example, checkpoint inhibitors block proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells.
