Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. The immune system protects the body from infections and diseases, but sometimes, cancer cells can hide from it. Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack these cells.
This treatment has become an important part of cancer care and is used for various types of cancer. It is often given along with other treatments like chemotherapy or Targeted Therapy While it may not work for everyone, it has usually shown promising results.
How Immunotherapy Works?
Immunotherapy strengthens the immune system in different ways to help it fight cancer more effectively. Some methods include:
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Some cancer cells block immune cells from attacking them. Checkpoint inhibitors remove these blocks, allowing the immune system to fight cancer cells properly. This helps the body’s defence system work as it should.
- T-cell Therapy: This method involves modifying a patient’s immune cells to help them better recognize and attack cancer. The modified cells are then returned to the body to target the tumour more effectively.
- Cancer Vaccines: These vaccines help train the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. They work by making the body recognize and attack cancer as a threat.
- Monoclonal Antibodies: These lab-made antibodies attach to cancer cells and mark them so the immune system can detect and destroy them. Some also help block signals that cancer cells need to grow.
Each type of immunotherapy is chosen based on the patient’s condition and cancer type to ensure the best results.
When is Immunotherapy Used?
Immunotherapy is recommended in several situations, such as:
- Advanced or Metastatic Cancer: It is often used when cancer has spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, it helps slow cancer growth or shrink tumours.
- Cancers That Do Not Respond to Other Treatments: Immunotherapy may be an option if chemotherapy or radiation is not working well.
- Specific Types of Cancer: Some cancers respond better to immunotherapy, such as lung cancer, melanoma, bladder cancer, and certain blood cancers.
- Combination Therapy: It is sometimes combined with other treatments to improve effectiveness.
What can you expect after Immunotherapy?
The results of immunotherapy vary from person to person. Some expected outcomes include:
- Slowing Cancer Growth: Immunotherapy can help stop or slow the spread of cancer, improving survival rates.
- Shrinking Tumors: In some cases, it can shrink tumours and make surgery or other treatments more effective.
- Long-Term Protection: The immune system may continue fighting even after treatment ends, lowering the chances of cancer returning for certain cancers.
- Milder Side Effects Than Some Other Treatments: Immunotherapy generally does not harm healthy cells as much as chemotherapy, so side effects may be less severe.
However, not all patients respond to immunotherapy, and doctors may suggest other treatments if it is ineffective.
Common Side Effects of Immunotherapy
Like any cancer treatment, immunotherapy can have side effects. Some common ones include:
- Fatigue: Some patients may feel tired after treatment, which can last a few days or longer.
- Skin Problems: Rashes or dryness may appear, especially in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors.
- Flu-Like Symptoms: Fever, chills, and muscle aches may occur as the immune system responds to treatment.
- Digestive Issues: Patients often report having mild digestive issues, and some experience diarrhoea, nausea, or cages in appetite.
Most side effects are mild and manageable. However, in some cases, the immune system attacks healthy tissue and leads to serious complications. In this case, doctors take further measures to treat the patient.
Benefits of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has many benefits, making it a valuable treatment option for some cancer patients.
- Helps the Body Fight Cancer Naturally: Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy boosts the immune system’s ability to fight cancer independently.
- Works for Some Hard-to-Treat Cancers: It is effective for cancers that do not respond well to other treatments, such as melanoma and lung cancer.
- Fewer Side Effects Compared to Chemotherapy: Since it mainly targets cancer cells, it does not damage as many healthy cells as chemotherapy.
- Can Have Long-Lasting Effects: The immune system may continue attacking cancer cells even after treatment stops, which can help prevent the cancer from returning.
While immunotherapy does not work for everyone, it has been a breakthrough in cancer treatment and continues to improve over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amerix Cancer Hospital offers immunotherapy as one of its advanced cancer treatment options. Experienced doctors assess each patient to determine the best treatment plan. The hospital provides personalised care, modern facilities, and continuous monitoring during treatment. Patients receive guidance on managing side effects and follow-up care to track progress. The focus is on making immunotherapy as practical and comfortable as possible for every patient.
Immunotherapy is used for various cancers, including lung, melanoma, bladder, kidney, and some blood cancers. Research is ongoing to expand its use for other types of cancer. Doctors evaluate whether immunotherapy is suitable based on the patient’s cancer type and overall health. Not all cancers respond to immunotherapy, so a detailed diagnosis is necessary. Sometimes, it may be combined with other treatments for better results.
The response time varies from patient to patient. Some may see results in a few weeks, while others may take several months. Doctors monitor progress through scans and tests to check how well the treatment works. In some cases, immunotherapy continues to work even after treatment ends. If there is no response, doctors may suggest other treatment options.
While immunotherapy has fewer side effects than chemotherapy, it can sometimes cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues. This may lead to inflammation in organs like the lungs, liver, or intestines. In rare cases, severe reactions can occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Regular check-ups help doctors manage any side effects early. Most side effects are manageable with medication and adjustments to treatment if needed.
Immunotherapy offers hope for cancer patients and is improving as research progresses. It has become an important part of cancer treatment, providing new options for those who may not benefit from traditional treatment
References
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/immunotherapy-risks-benefits
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/side-effects
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11582-immunotherapy
