Table 1 Examples of FDA-approved cancer immunotherapeutic agents

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantion (e.g., leukemia and myeloma)

1. Reset the immune system

2. Allo-antigen response (graft versus tumor effect)

Antibody (e.g., retuximab, trastuzumab)

1. Eliminate cancer cells

2. Block key signaling pathways

Cytokines (e.g., type I interferon, interleukin-2)

Boost both innate and adaptive immunity

Dendritic cells (e.g., Sip-T for prostate cancer)

Enhance tumor-specific T cell priming

T cell checkpoint blockade (e.g., Ipilumimab for melanoma)

Block/reverse immune tolerance

Microbes (e.g., BCG for the transitional bladder cancer)

Enhance innate and adaptive immunity