Introduction

Cancer comprises a group of diseases, the common feature of which is the uncontrolled proliferation of cells.

After cardio-vascular diseases, cancer represents the second leading cause of death in industrialised countries. According to recent demographic data, its incidence is expected to increase even further. The latest available statistics from 2008 show 12.7 million newly diagnosed cancer cases worldwide.

In about half of all cancer patients, established standard treatment is unsatisfactory. Hence, biomedical researchers all over the world are searching for innovative strategies for cancer therapy. Activartis is developing a novel cancer immune therapy in clinical phase II.

Further Information about cancer immune therapy

Detailed information with regard to cancer incidence and prevalence are available at the following site:

International Agency for Research on Cancer