The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2018: Cancer Therapy by Immune System Inhibition

May 7, 2026

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The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded jointly to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo for their groundbreaking discovery of cancer therapy through the inhibition of negative immune regulation. This revolutionary approach represents a significant paradigm shift in cancer treatment, moving away from direct targeting of cancer cells to manipulating the host immune system's checkpoints. The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute recognized Allison and Honjo for establishing a new pillar in cancer therapy by identifying and understanding how to release the brakes on the body's own immune defenses, thereby enabling them to effectively combat cancer. Allison, based in the United States, conducted his prize-winning research at UC Berkeley and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and is currently affiliated with The UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Honjo, from Japan, performed his seminal studies at Kyoto University, where he remains active. Immunologist Klas Kärre highlighted the importance of these discoveries, stating that they introduced a completely new principle for cancer treatment by targeting the immune system's regulatory mechanisms rather than the tumor itself. This work is considered a landmark achievement in the ongoing fight against cancer, offering new hope and treatment avenues for patients globally. Further details and discussions about this pivotal award can be found in the Scientific American Science Talk podcast.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

May 7, 2026

Upload by Finn