Biological Therapy (Immunotherapy)

Biological therapies are the newest types of medicines used to treat cancer. These agents attack specific “targets” on cancer cells without harming normal cells. A target may include a specific type of gene found in cancer cells.  Other targets may include receptor or substances on the surface of the cancer cells, which are not found on normal cells.  Research using targeted therapies is ongoing, and a few agents are now available for use on patients not enrolled in a research trial. Targeted therapies may be used individually, or in combination with other chemotherapy agents.