What is the difference between active immunotherapy and passive immunotherapy?

The difference between active immunotherapy and passive immunotherapy hinges on how it influences the patient’s immune system. An active immunotherapy agent is one that produces a lasting, durable response by way of inducing immunological memory. This most closely resembles a normal immune response. However, just as immune system function varies in a healthy population, the level of response to an active immunotherapy agent depends on individual factors. On the other hand, a passive immunotherapy agent is one that produces an immediate action due to the administration of immune-cell factors, like cytokines or antibodies. The results of a passive immunotherapy are tied temporally to administration of the agent, therefore continued dosing may be required for a prolonged response. This is because immune system memory is not engaged. For more information on immunotherapy check out our expanded section here.