UAlberta researchers lead efforts to battle tumours using patients' own immune systems.
Immunotherapy has helped improve cancer care dramatically. (Photo: Technical.sanguinebio.com)
Cancers are complex diseases that affect patients and their loved ones every day. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, almost half of all Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime, and one-quarter of the Canadian population are expected to die of the disease.
With the high incidence and variety of tumours, researchers look for solutions that treat cancer effectively with fewer side effects. At the University of Alberta, scientists have discovered the increased benefits of therapies that amplify the ability of the human body to fight diseases and infections.
"The immune system can be harnessed to fight cancer," said John Walker, assistant professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry's Department of Oncology. "Immunotherapy has dramatically improved treatment outcomes for patients living with cancer."
According to Walker, immunotherapy is a critical part of the dramatic improvements in cancer care that have been accomplished over the past decade, and the U of A is one of Canada's leading centres on cancer research that are working and applying these novel approaches to treatment.
How can the human body's own defence mechanisms win the fight against cancer when other drugs and treatments fail? Although research is ongoing to better understand how best to harness the human immune system, Walker explains cancer patient outcomes have improved significantly through these therapies that are included in more clinical trials in Alberta. He is hopeful that these innovations will continue to make the future of cancer care much brighter.
"Immunotherapy is here to stay, and is helping more patients with cancer every day."
Walker will speak about breakthroughs in immunotherapy at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry's Festival of Health on Saturday, May 26.
Festival of Health
Register here for your free ticket
Edmonton Clinic Health Academy 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
North Campus, University of Alberta
Barbecue and Entertainment
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rapid Fire Presentations and Ask The Experts: Q & A Session
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Info Sessions and Tours
3 - 5 p.m.
More information available at uab.ca/healthfest.