immunotherapy

noun

im·​mu·​no·​ther·​a·​py ˌi-myə-nō-ˈther-ə-pē 

i-ˌmyü-nō-

: treatment or prevention of disease (such as an autoimmune disorder, allergy, or cancer) that involves the stimulation, enhancement, suppression, or desensitization of the immune system see adoptive immunotherapy

immunotherapeutic

ˌi-myə-nō-ˌther-ə-ˈpyü-tik 

i-ˌmyü-nō-

adjective

Examples of immunotherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These findings could pave the way toward testing in human groups, and could potentially be combined with chemotherapy and existing immunotherapies, according to the researchers. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025

Monkeys have since been central to efforts to transplant organs (and prevent their rejection), to refine treatments for diabetes, to understand the effects of lead poisoning and secondhand smoke, and to test immunotherapies for cancer. —Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

Continuing with immunotherapy, Shahi remains determined to maintain her health since managing the numerous side effects from her treatments and medications comes with its challenges. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025

In basic terms, immunotherapy medications work by teaching a patient’s immune system how to recognize and attack cancer cells. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Immunotherapie, from immuno- immuno- + Therapie therapy

Note: The German word was introduced by Paul ehrlich in the lecture "Chemotherapie von Infektionskrankheiten," published in Zeitschrift für ärtzliche Fortbildung, 6. Jahrgang, Nummer 23 (1. Dezember 1909), pp. 721-33.

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing immunotherapy

• adoptive immunotherapy

Rhymes for immunotherapy

• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy
• radiotherapy
• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy
• sclerotherapy

Medical Definition

immunotherapy

noun

im·​mu·​no·​ther·​a·​py -ˈther-ə-pē 

plural immunotherapies

: treatment or prevention of disease (such as a cancer, autoimmune disorder, or allergy) that involves the stimulation, enhancement, suppression, or desensitization of the immune system

Demonstrating promise is immunotherapy, in which special medications are used to beef up the body's own cancer-fighting cells.

—Harvard Health Letter

If environmental control and pharmacotherapy fail to control symptoms, then allergen immunotherapy—also called hyposensitization or desensitization—may be considered.

—Discover

called also immune therapy

see adoptive immunotherapy

immunotherapeutic

-ˌther-ə-ˈpyüt-ik 

adjective

immunotherapeutic activity

immunotherapeutic methods