immunotherapy

noun

im·​mu·​no·​ther·​a·​py ˌi-myə-nō-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce immunotherapy (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of immunotherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Researchers say the study may be a possible blueprint for improving immunotherapies for other treatment-resistant tumors. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025 Chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy may also come into play during treatment. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025 For example, my colleagues are running a clinical trial at the center to test the use of focused ultrasound and immunotherapy to treat patients with advanced melanoma. Richard J. Price, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 An alternative, selective immunotherapy, which targets specific cells or pathways, has milder side effects and leaves the person less vulnerable to other diseases. Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for immunotherapy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of immunotherapy was in 1910

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Immunotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immunotherapy. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

immunotherapy

noun
im·​mu·​no·​ther·​a·​py -ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce immunotherapy (audio)
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 adjective
immunotherapeutic activity
immunotherapeutic methods

More from Merriam-Webster on immunotherapy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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