Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment
Don't know where to start? Leave us a request, and the Booking Health team will arrange your trip for treatment in Germany, where you will improve the quality of life and health.
- How Immunotherapy Works in Cancer
- When is Immunotherapy Administered to Treat Cancer?
- Types of Cancer Immunotherapies Available in Germany
- Patient Success Stories with Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy
- Cost of Cancer Immunotherapy in Germany
- Cancer Immunotherapy in Germany with Booking Health
- Frequently Asked Questions of Our Patients
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment, with dendritic cell therapy emerging as one of its most promising innovations. This revolutionary method harnesses the power of the patient's own immune system to fight malignant tumors. The significance of dendritic cells in cancer treatment was recognized with the 2011 Nobel Prize in Medicine, awarded to Ralph M. Steinman for discovering these crucial immune cells and their role in adaptive immunity. Today, German oncologists offer various immunotherapy approaches, including specialized dendritic cell vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, and CAR T-cell therapy, carefully selecting treatments based on each patient's unique tumor characteristics. When combined with conventional treatment methods, immunotherapy in German clinics has demonstrated remarkable success in controlling both early and advanced cancers, significantly improving survival rates and quality of life, with some patients achieving stable remission.
How Immunotherapy Works in Cancer
The immune system consists of organs (red bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen), cells (different types of leukocytes), and substances (interferon, interleukins, and others) that detect and destroy foreign objects — viruses, bacteria, fungi, cancer cells, etc. It has information about all normal tissues and substances in the body, recognizing new ones as potential threats and a target for attack.
It is more difficult for the immune system to fight cancer cells for a number of reasons:
- Sometimes malignant cells are not identified as foreign because they are quite similar to healthy cells
- Sometimes the strength of the immune response is not enough to completely destroy a tumor (normally, the immune system destroys several million atypical cells daily)
- Malignant cells secrete substances that prevent the immune system from finding and attacking them
«The goal of cancer immunotherapy is to make the patient's immune system work in such a way that it can withstand the growth of a malignant tumor.»
This can be done in several ways:
- Stimulate and strengthen the work of the person’s immune system
- Administer artificial drugs that mimic the work of separate parts of the immune system
The effectiveness of this approach, as well as the significance of research in this area, were evaluated by the Nobel Prize for discoveries in the field of immuno-oncology in 2011 and 2018.
German clinics combine cutting-edge immunotherapy with complementary treatments like hyperthermia to target tumor cells more effectively and manage cancer-related symptoms, including pain. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the body's natural defenses against cancer while also improving the overall quality of life for patients undergoing treatment.
When is Immunotherapy Administered to Treat Cancer?
Modern immunotherapy, particularly innovative approaches like dendritic cell therapy, is increasingly recognized as a valuable treatment option, even in early cancer stages. This shift in treatment paradigm reflects growing evidence that early immunotherapy intervention can significantly improve outcomes and potentially prevent disease progression. In patients with early-stage cancers, immunotherapy can increase the chance of complete recovery while helping patients maintain their quality of life, as they typically experience minimal side effects and fewer cancer-related symptoms.
The success of early intervention has been particularly notable in dendritic cell therapy, where training the immune system at earlier stages has shown promising results in preventing disease progression. This personalized approach allows for better control of the disease and significantly reduces the risk of recurrence, as the patient's immune system effectively "learns" to identify and eliminate remaining malignant cells.
While immunotherapy continues to play a crucial role in advanced stages (stage 4 lung cancer, metastatic melanoma, stage 4 stomach cancer, kidney cancer, and other malignancies), its application across all cancer stages has revolutionized treatment approaches. In advanced cases, it works both independently and synergistically with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, enhancing overall effectiveness.
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that immunotherapy can be effectively used to treat a wide range of malignancies and is well tolerated. For example, trials KEYNOTE-059, CP-MGAH22-05, and EPOC1706 demonstrated the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastric cancer. The PACIFIC study showed excellent prospects for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with monoclonal antibodies.
«More than 150 clinical studies of immunotherapy for melanoma have been conducted to date. All of them confirm the effectiveness of this group of drugs even in patients with stage 4 cancer.»
What types of cancer can be treated with immunotherapy?
- Thyroid tumors
- Lung cancer
- Esophageal tumors
- Mammary cancer
- Stomach tumors
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic tumors
- Colon cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Ovarian tumors
- Uterine cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Osteosarcoma
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Melanoma
- Glioblastoma
- Bladder cancer
- Lymphoma
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
The scientific search continues to advance, with researchers identifying new potential tumor molecules that immunotherapy can target and developing increasingly sophisticated treatments. Of particular interest is the ongoing development of dendritic cell therapy, which shows promise across multiple cancer types and stages. The range of indications for immunotherapy treatments continues to expand, offering hope to patients at all stages of their cancer journey.
(c) Timeline of non-PD-1/L1 Immuno-Oncology Agent FDA Approvals. Sources: CRI, CRI Analytics, and FDA.
Updated May 27, 2022
Types of Cancer Immunotherapies Available in Germany
Immunotherapy can be active and passive. Active immunotherapy stimulates the attack of the patient's immune system on the tumor, sometimes by strengthening already existing anti-tumor processes and sometimes by helping immune cells overcome the "masking" of the tumor. Passive immunotherapy involves the administration of ready-made substances that increase the sensitivity of a malignant neoplasm to immune attacks.
Mechanisms of action and potential benefits of cancer immunotherapies are diverse. Researchers have compiled case studies showcasing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy treatments in Germany, demonstrating promising results in harnessing the body's immune system to fight various types of cancer. In German hospitals, physicians use several types of immunotherapy:
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors
- Cytokines
- CAR T-cell therapy
- Cancer vaccines
Monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors work by targeting specific proteins in cancer cells or the immune system, helping to activate the body's natural defenses. Cytokines affect tumors by altering their growth patterns and making them more visible to the immune system. CAR T-cell therapy involves genetic modification of the patient's immune cells, though it has more limited applications and potential side effects.
Cancer vaccines with dendritic cells are also manufactured individually, taking into account specific antigens of the tumor in a particular patient. Dendritic cell therapy involves the "acquaintance" of the patient's dendritic cells with tumor components in the laboratory and the infusion of already trained cells back to the patient. Dendritic cell cancer treatment in Germany demonstrates effectiveness in any stage of the disease.
Comparing the effectiveness of cancer treatment methods
| Toxicity | Therapy Duration | Early Stage Effectiveness (5-year survival rate) | Duration of treatment effect | Treatment Cost | |
| Dendritic cell vaccines | Very low (about 1%) | Single injection and lifelong immunity for a given tumor type | 85-95% with minimal impact on quality of life | Reliable long-term result, long-lasting remission | €20,000 - €38,000 |
| Chemotherapy | High (65-80%) | Depending on the stage of the disease up to lifelong | 60-75%, with significant side effects | Short-term effect, limited to the course of treatment | €80,000 - €150,000 for the full course |
| Hormone therapy | Low (10-15%) | Given for several months, usually followed by chemotherapy | 60-70% for hormone-sensitive cases only | The effect is present only during treatment | €10,000 - €15,000 |
| Targeted therapy | Low (15-20%) | Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment may take about a year | 65-75% for matching mutations only | The effect is quite long-lasting in the presence of specific mutations in the tumor | €375,000 - €420,000 for the full course |
*Booking Health data. Success rates vary depending on cancer type, stage, and individual patient factors.
This comparison highlights why immunotherapy approaches like dendritic cell therapy are increasingly favored: they offer long-lasting benefits with minimal side effects. While the initial response may take a few weeks to develop, the sustained immune response provides durable protection against cancer recurrence.
Clinical trials and ongoing research in immunotherapy continue to expand our understanding of these treatments. One of the pioneers in dendritic cell therapy is Prof. Frank Gansauge, who has been working with this method for over 22 years. In an exclusive interview, Prof. Gansauge shares his expertise on dendritic cell therapy, particularly highlighting its effectiveness in treating various types of cancer and its potential future applications.
Leading Immunotherapy Expert Prof. Frank Gansauge: "Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment with Dendritic Cell Therapy"
Patient Success Stories with Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy
Booking Health has helped thousands of cancer patients worldwide find appropriate treatment options and access innovative therapies like immunotherapy. Through careful evaluation of each case and collaboration with leading German clinics, many patients have achieved remarkable results. Here are some of their stories:
Aaron's Journey
Following his glioblastoma diagnosis in early 2023, Aaron and his family began searching for innovative treatment options to complement the traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy protocols. Their research led them to Booking Health, which facilitated their access to dendritic cell therapy in Germany. By undergoing immunotherapy, Aaron experienced enhanced tolerance to the subsequent therapies. His follow-up MRI scans revealed impressive results: considerable reduction in tumor size, with positive responses observed in both high-grade and low-grade regions. Throughout the treatment process, Aaron retained normal neurological status, which his family believes was significantly supported by the immunotherapy intervention.
Daria's Story of Hope
Diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in January 2024, Daria Rogers faced a challenging prognosis. After successful tumor removal surgery, her husband researched treatment options and found dendritic cell therapy through Booking Health. Within three weeks after surgery, Daria received dendritic cell treatment in Germany, followed by standard radiotherapy and chemotherapy at home. The immunotherapy helped her tolerate the conventional treatments well, maintaining her energy levels and quality of life. Remarkably, her three-month post-treatment MRI scan showed no evidence of tumor recurrence – an unusual outcome for glioblastoma. A follow-up scan in October 2024 confirmed these positive results.
Key Benefits Reported by Patients:
- Better tolerance of conventional treatments
- Maintained quality of life during therapy
- Positive treatment responses
- Minimal side effects from immunotherapy
- Additional benefits such as improved overall well-being
- Professional support throughout the treatment journey
These success stories demonstrate how immunotherapy, particularly dendritic cell treatment, can complement standard cancer treatments and potentially improve outcomes. Each patient's journey is unique, and results may vary, but these experiences offer hope and insight into the possibilities of modern cancer treatment approaches.
Daria Rogers, Ireland: How Modern Cancer Treatment in Germany Changed My Glioblastoma Prognosis
Cost of Cancer Immunotherapy in Germany
The cost of immunotherapy in German clinics depends on the diagnosis, the duration of the therapeutic course, and the recommended drug. As a rule, immunotherapy is carried out as an outpatient procedure, in a doctor's office or clinic department, without mandatory hospitalization.
Different types of immunotherapy vary significantly in cost:
- Monoclonal antibodies therapy costs between €375,000 and €420,000. The final cost is calculated individually, depending on the duration of the program and combinations with other therapies.
- CAR T-cell therapy ranges from €450,000 to €550,000. The final cost is determined individually, taking into account the duration of the program and combinations with other treatments.
- Dendritic cell vaccination costs between €20,000 and €38,000, depending on the combination with other medical services.
The choice of the drug also affects the financial aspect of treatment. For example, the solution for vaccinating with dendritic cells is made for the patient individually. This is a high-tech process that is associated with additional costs. Preparations of monoclonal antibodies are standardized, but their administration requires preliminary tests in order to determine the genetic composition of the tumor.
Immunotherapy Journey: Dendritic Cell Treatment with Booking Health
Cancer Immunotherapy in Germany with Booking Health
If you want to undergo cancer treatment and personalized immunotherapy at a specialized medical center in Germany or visit research centers in the field of cancer immunotherapy, Booking Health can help. Assisting thousands of patients each year, the experts at Booking Health will find the most appropriate treatment program for your specific case.
Booking Health specialists will arrange your medical trip to Germany and help you:
- Choose a specialized clinic with the best treatment success rates for personalized cancer immunotherapy in Germany
- Make an appointment for the desired date, and avoid being on the long waiting list
- Communicate with German oncologists directly
- Understand the expected medical program in advance, avoid repeating previous diagnostic tests
- Receive medical care at a favorable cost, exclude additional fees for foreigners (save up to 50% of the average cost of treatment)
- Find and buy medicines for the maintaining treatment in your country
- Communicate with the healthcare facility after the treatment completion
- Control the bills from the clinic and return the unspent funds of the medical deposit
- Undergo additional examinations and treatment procedures, if necessary
- Book accommodation, plane tickets, transfer; receive a visa for yourself and an accompanying person
You can check up-to-date information about physicians and oncology hospitals on the Booking Health website and send a request for treatment. If necessary, doctors will elaborate for you on a comprehensive medical program: from surgery to immunotherapy and subsequent rehabilitation. In the clinic, you will be accompanied by an interpreter, and a personal medical coordinator will constantly stay in touch, ready to help with any issues.
Frequently asked questions of our patients
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the patient's immune system to fight cancer. It involves stimulating or enhancing the immune response to target and destroy cancer cells.
Immunotherapy works by boosting the immune system's natural defenses or by using synthetic components to improve the immune response. It helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer more effectively.
Immunotherapy can treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and certain types of lymphoma. It is particularly effective for cancers that have not responded well to traditional treatments.
Common side effects of immunotherapy include fatigue, skin reactions, and flu-like symptoms. More serious side effects can occur but are less common. German clinics closely monitor patients to manage any adverse effects promptly.
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board certified doctors Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk, Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
Infographic: Timeline of non-PD-1/PD-L1 Immuno-Oncology Agent Approvals by the FDA
Read:
New Effective Treatments for Stage 4 Cancer (oncology)
Dendritic cell therapy in cancer treatment in Germany - Vaccination against cancer
Adaptive Cell Therapy: CAR T-Cell Therapy
