Once the dendritic cells have been "primed" to recognize cancer cells, they are infused back into the patient's body. The hope is that the dendritic cells will stimulate the patient's immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
Cancer suppression refers to any strategy or intervention aimed at preventing or slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells. There are various approaches to cancer suppression, including:
- Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure, can help reduce the risk of developing cancer.
- Chemoprevention: This approach involves using drugs, vitamins, minerals, or other substances to reduce the risk of cancer. For example, some drugs can block the action of hormones that contribute to the growth of certain types of cancer, while others can reduce inflammation that can lead to cancer.
- Immunotherapy: This approach involves boosting the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This can be done through vaccines, cytokines, or monoclonal antibodies.
- Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy: These are conventional cancer treatments that are used to remove or destroy cancer cells. While they can be effective, they can also have significant side effects.
- Alternative and complementary therapies: Some people turn to alternative and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, herbal supplements, or special diets, to help suppress cancer.
