The History of Cancer Immunotherapy
When you hear the term "immunotherapy," it may sound like a modern breakthrough. In reality, the idea of using the immune system to combat cancer dates back more than a century. The history of cancer immunotherapy is a fascinating tale of trial, error, and perseverance that ultimately altered the course of medicine. The Origins: Dr. William Coley’s Discovery In the late 1800s, New York surgeon Dr. William B. Coley noticed something unusual: a few cancer patients who later developed severe infections saw their tumors shrink. This observation prompted him to experiment by injecting cancer patients with bacterial mixtures, which became known as Coley's toxins. The results were inconsistent, but some patients showed significant improvement. Although his methods lacked the scientific precision we expect today, Dr. Coley's pioneering work laid the groundwork for modern immunotherapy. He is now known as the "Father of Immunotherapy". The Mid-20th Century:...