3.3.5 Biological Therapy for Tumors

3.3.5 Biological Therapy for Tumors

With the advancement of modern immunology and molecular biology, biological therapies that are more targeted toward tumor cells and have lower toxicity have, following extensive basic research, begun to enter clinical practice. This represents a new approach to the prevention and treatment of tumors, following surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Biological therapy refers to the use of biomolecules, genes, and other natural or chemically synthesized drugs to regulate the body’s intrinsic immune defense mechanisms in order to prevent and treat tumors. The main methods include gene therapy, such as immune gene therapy, suicide gene therapy, and tumor suppressor gene therapy; and immunotherapy, such as enhancing the body’s immune cells’ ability to recognize and attack tumor cells, immune-related targeted therapy, passive immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.