Abstract
Immunotherapy has become an increasingly appealing therapeutic strategy for cancer patients. Tumorigenesis a very represents a complex, multistage process.
Tumour cells are a heterogeneous population which is developing in the context of a microenvironment of non-tumour cells and tisues, thus forming a complex "ecosystem". In the early stages of tumour development, the immune system is capable of controlling the cell growth.
With advanced tumour growth, immune mechanisms become more or less paralysed and frequently even exert a promoting effect on tumour cell proliferation. In order to be successful, anti-cancer therapy must take into consideration all the comprehensive aspects of interaction of the immune system and tumour cells, including the microenvironment.
This communication discussess current options in immunotherapy of prostate cancer with agents that have advanced into phase III clinical trials.