Treatments

Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs)

Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs)

The presence of TILs within a tumor is a positive indicator, suggesting the immune system has recognized the cancerous cells and is attempting to fight them. TIL therapy is a form of immunotherapy that capitalizes on TILs to treat cancer.

TIL therapy:

  1. Tumor Removal: Surgical Oncologists surgically remove a tumor from the patient.
  2. TIL Isolation: The TILs are extracted and isolated from the resected tumor.
  3. TIL Expansion: In a lab setting, the TILs are multiplied into a large population.
  4. TIL Reinfusion: The expanded TILs are then infused back into the patient's bloodstream.
  5. TIL Attack: The reintroduced TILs can identify and target the cancer cells, aiding in tumor shrinkage.

It's important to note that TIL therapy is still under development and is considered an investigational treatment. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine its effectiveness for various cancers.