Immunotherapy for melanoma

Immunotherapy stimulates the patient's immune system . This allows it to effectively recognize and destroy tumor cells.
Use of the drug ipilimumab

Ipilimumab (Yervoy) - is a drug based on monoclonal antibodies ( a synthetic version of immune system proteins ) . The drug effect on CTLA- 4 protein , which normally controls the function of cells of the immune system T lymphocyte . Ipilimumab increases the intensity of the immune response against melanoma cells , blocking the activity of CTLA- 4 protein .Every three weeks for 4 days the drug is administered intravenously. The drug increases the life expectancy of patients with melanoma , which can not be surgically removed or has spread to distant organs , for several months.The drug activates the body's immune system and helps fight against the tumor cells . At the same time it may lead to serious side effects. Sometimes the immune system begins to attack healthy tissue. In some cases, side effects can be fatal.Most often, the side effects of the immune system occur during treatment. But these effects may occur , and a few months after treatment ends. Should immediately inform your doctor about any side effects. 

Application of cytokines

Activate the immune system protein compounds - cytokines. In the treatment of melanoma using synthetic analogs of natural cytokines : interleukin -2 and interferon -alpha . These drugs are administered intravenously at the beginning tarvpii and subsequently administered subcutaneously medications can a patient or care for them at home person . these drugs help reduce the size of melanoma progressing in 10-20% of patients. When tumors of stage IV cytokines can be administered concurrently with chemotherapy .Side effects include flu-like symptoms of cytokines , as well as decrease in the number of leukocytes. Interleukin -2 can cause fluid retention . This can lead to edema. IL-2 treatment is carried out only in specialized centers, due to the risk of serious side effects.Interferon -alpha as an adjuvant therapyOften accompanied by a large thickness of the melanoma tumor cells spread to distant organs . Even after surgical removal of all visible lesions of melanoma , some tumor cells persist in the body. In such cases, after the operation as an additional therapy may use an interferon -alpha . This helps prevent further growth and spread of melanoma. This treatment helps to delay tumor recurrence .Need to introduce the drug in high doses for efficacy of interferon. However, not all patients are able to endure side effects. Therefore, treatment with interferon should be under close medical supervision .BCGBCG prigottavlivaetsya based bacteria Mycobacterium bovis. This bacterium causes tuberculosis in cattle . In humans, BCG activates the immune system , increasing performance of the whole immune system. The vaccine does not directly affect the melanoma cells . Sometimes it is introduced into the tumor in the treatment of melanoma stage III.imiquimod creamImiquimod - a drug in the form of a cream . When applied to the skin imiquimod stimulates local immune response against melanoma cells . Imiquimod is applied at very early stages of melanoma located in sensitive areas of the face . But not all experts approved its application for melanoma .The cream is applied to the skin for about three months at varying intervals from once a day to twice a week. Imiquimod is not applicable in the treatment of advanced melanoma.