International Journal of Oncology: "From Chemotherapy to Biological Therapy," Prof. Dr. Volker Schirrmacher
"From chemotherapy to biological therapy: A review of novel concepts for reducing side effects in systemic cancer treatment" is the title of Prof. Dr. Volker Schirrmacher's scientific publication in the International Journal of Oncology. The side effects of chemotherapy are often severe. Recently, increased attention has been paid to the immune system of patients and its activation by biological therapies, as they have proven to be well tolerated in cancer treatment. The review explains how these immunotherapies work and why they are better tolerated. In contrast to chemotherapy, they also induce a memory function and aim to activate the immune system specifically against cancer; the side effects are minor due to immune tolerance mechanisms, and a supportive interferon response also has an effect.
