Cancer immunotherapy is a form of treatment protocol for cancer patients that has been studied intensively over the last two decades. The undesirable side effects during the course of conventional treatment has lead to the development of immunotherapy as an alternative treatment modality. This approach encompasses the use of three different strategies with various immunotherapeutic modalities including (i) cytokines and monoclonal antibodies; (ii) activation of antigen presentation cells (APC) by using antigen-specific peptides or sources of antigens such as tumour lysate; and finally (iii) adoptive transfer of ex vivo activated autologous cytotoxic T-cells. Due to specific-targeting by antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies, dendritic cells and activated CD8+ T-cells, immunotherapy can eliminate tumour
cells efficiently but the normal tissues are unaffected. Despite years of investigation, the outcome of immunotherapy-based clinical trials are inconsistent with very low response rates from patients. Several mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to this failure including the presence of regulatory T-cells (Treg), immunomodulatory cytokines, and aberrant gene expression in tumour cells. This review summarises information from about 140 articles and review papers. In addition, it also provides an update on recent trends in combinational immunotherapy with conventional therapy and encouraging results have been obtained. Reevaluation of previous studies is necessary to fine-tune the design and approach of immunotherapy to ensure better treatment outcomes.
Ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries associated with physical activities. Complications including pain and ankle instability are associated with decreased physical activity, reduced sport performance, and increased risk of recurrent ankle injury leading to detrimental effect on activities of daily living. Current management of ankle sprain can be conservative or surgical for serious cases. However, long healing period is required for conservative management in addition to its side effects and the risk of post-operative complications for surgical management. Due to the current challenges and setbacks faced by existing intervention, this paper aims to generate ideas in incorporat- ing regenerative medicine as an intervention for ankle sprain. This review will provide a brief review on the existing management for ankle sprain along with some history, application and the potential of regenerative medicine in speeding up the healing process of ankle sprains.