Cancer Resources and Support
At Corewell Health, we are committed to providing you and your loved ones with the resources you need during your cancer journey.
Building an immune system for fighting cancer
Biological therapy and immunotherapy are advanced treatments that use the body’s natural defenses to fight disease—including cancer. Because there are many types of therapies available, our doctors can recommend the best option for your type of cancer.
How they work
Biological therapy
This therapy works by altering biological processes to slow cancer growth, repair damaged cells, or make the body more responsive to treatment.
Immunotherapy
This therapy is a type of biological therapy that strengthens the body’s own immune system, helping it recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
These treatments offer targeted, less invasive options that can improve outcomes and reduce side effects compared to traditional cancer therapies.
Types of biological therapy
There are many different types of biological therapies used in cancer treatment, including the following:
Biological Response Modifiers (BRMs)
These lab-made substances help the body fight cancer by boosting the immune system, targeting cancer cells, and strengthening a weakened immune system.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T)
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) is a type of biological treatment that uses your own modified immune cells to find and destroy cancer cells, most often used for certain blood cancers.
Colony-Stimulating Factors (CSFs)
CSFs help the body produce more white blood cells, strengthening the immune system to fight infections and recover from cancer treatments.
Nonspecific immunomodulating agents
These are general immune boosters that enhance the overall activity of the immune system, aiding in the fight against cancer.
Types of immunotherapy
Immunotherapy specifically strengthens the immune system, helping it recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Therapy types include:
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T)
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) uses genetically modified T cells to help your immune system better recognize and attack cancer, making it stronger and more targeted.
Cytokine therapy
Uses natural proteins to boost the immune system, helping it recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Interferons (IFN)
Naturally occurring proteins that can slow the growth of cancer cells and enhance the immune system's ability to attack them.
Interleukins (IL)
Encourage immune cells to grow and work harder, strengthening the body’s natural defense against cancer.
Monoclonal antibodies
Specially designed proteins that attach to cancer cells, helping the immune system find and destroy them.
Vaccine therapy
Introduces antigens into the body to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack specific types of cancer cells.
What to expect
Treatment cycles
Treatments vary by therapy, but are typically given through IV infusion, injection or pills over weeks or months. Our team will monitor you through regular check-ups to determine progress and adjust your treatment if needed.
Potential side effects
Side effects vary by treatment but often resemble flu-like symptoms.
Side effects may include:
- Chills
- Feeling very tired
- Fever
- Not feeling hungry
- Throwing up
- Upset stomach
Some therapies, like cytokine therapy, may also cause bone pain, rash, or swelling at the injection site.
Talk to your care team about potential side effects before starting treatment.
Need deeper understanding?
Speak with a specialist to learn more or get a second opinion to confirm a diagnosis or to validate treatment.