A Commotion in the Blood

We are in the midst of a quiet revolution in medicine called immunotheraphy, a form of medicine that takes its lessons from the very bodies it seeks to treat. Immunological methods are now employed to treat cancer, AIDS and chronic viral diseases. Beginning with the 'occasional miracles' of a mysterious turn-of-the-century cancer vaccine called Coley's toxins, Stephen S Hall traces the story of how doctors have learned to use the immune system and its 'commotions' to develop a wide array of cutting-edge therapies. As Hall proceeds across continents and time, he discusses interferon, tumour necrosis factors and the newest and most promising substances to trigger a 'commotion', such as a interleukin-2. From the author of 'the best book written about the new age of biology' (Nobel Prize winner Philip Sharp) comes this fast-paced account of medicine in the making.