Immunotherapy

Summary

This study explores the innovative approach of using the immune system to fight cancer. Traditionally, cancer treatment relied on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, but immunotherapy has emerged as a promising new method. The report focuses on immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly those targeting PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, which have shown significant success in treating various cancers by preventing cancer cells from evading immune detection. Drugs like Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, and Atezolizumab, which inhibit these checkpoints, have been FDA-approved and are being used to treat cancers like non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma. Additionally, the report discusses cancer vaccines, which work similarly to traditional vaccines by training the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines, represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, with ongoing research and clinical trials suggesting it could save millions of lives in the future.

Video Presentation

Impact Statement

My name is Nikhil Menon, and I am a student at Brighton College Abu Dhabi. One of the areas I wish to explore as a career is biotechnology and hence I signed up for the Elio Accelerator program. My project was a new method of treatment called Immunotherapy that enhances the immune response to cancer. In the course, I learnt about several topics in microbiology, cell biology, oncology, and genetics, learning about topics such as genetic engineering, stem cells, CAR-T cell therapy, protein structure, and more. I enjoyed the sessions on genetics especially and also more broadly in understanding the basics of cancer. The program has significantly enhanced my understanding of a large quantity of biological terminology and knowledge. It has also given me experience in researching scientific knowledge and in writing a formal white paper. All in all, the program was an enjoyable experience and has certainly increased my chances of success in the biomedical field.

Report White Paper

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_By: Nikhil Menon_

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Elio Academy.

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