A History of Innovation and Research

The concept of Immuno-Oncology goes back to the 18th century, when the possibility of using the body's immune response to help fight diseases began to be explored. Initially, immunotherapy was used to help control diseases other than cancer, but the idea has since spread to involve the world of oncology. Since its founding in 1858, Bristol Myers Squibb has gone on to become a strong leader in oncology research.

Brief History of Immuno-Oncology

1796

First use of immunotherapy to control smallpox.

1978

First time a biologic was tested on a human to treat cancer.

1986

First Immuno-Oncology treatment was approved for cancer.

TODAY

Science continues to evolve in the areas of Biomarkers, combination pathways, and hundreds of clinical trials.

Learn more about how Immuno-Oncology research looks for ways to help the immune system fight cancer:

See Our I-O Research

Bristol Myers Squibb is researching Immuno-Oncology treatments in a number of cancer types.

I‑O in Your Body

Learn how immunotherapies can work alone, together, or in combination with other treatments to fight cancer.