Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, a broad category of drugs used to treat cancer, activates the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Unlike healthy cells, which die off naturally, cancer cells continue to multiply unchecked. The immune system, which defends the body against infections and diseases, often fails to recognize these abnormal cells because they frequently mutate. Immunotherapy drugs are designed to alert the immune system to the presence of these cancerous cells. This treatment can be used for various types of cancer and may be administered alone or alongside other treatments like chemotherapy.
Subtypes Of Therapy
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: These drugs regulate the signals to T-cells, turning them on to attack cancer cells and off to protect healthy cells.
- Adoptive Cell Therapy (T-cell Transfer Therapy):** This involves modifying your T-cells, such as in CAR T-cell therapy, to enhance their ability to fight cancer.
- Cancer Vaccines: Similar to vaccines for infections, cancer vaccines help treat specific cancers like prostate cancer by stimulating the immune system.
- Immune System Modulators: Also known as immunomodulatory drugs, these agents adjust the immune system to target specific cancer cells
Benefits Of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is less frequently used than chemotherapy or surgery but is becoming more significant for certain cancers. It can be more effective and safer because it harnesses the body’s natural defenses to combat the tumor.
Downsides Of Immunotherapy
- Delayed Response: It may take several treatment cycles to see results
- Serious Side Effects: The immune system’s activation can sometimes target normal cells, leading to significant side effects.
Immunotherapy Administration
Immunotherapy can be given in different ways, including:
- Intravenous (IV): Directly into a vein.
- Oral: Pills or capsules taken by mouth.
- Cream or Ointment: Applied directly to the skin, useful for early-stage skin cancers.
- Intravesical: Administered directly into the bladder.
Side Effects Of Immunotherapy
The care team provides integrated services to manage side effects and enhance quality of life during treatment. Potential side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Oral sores
- Cough and breathlessness
- Elevated blood pressure
- Fluid retention, typically in the legs
- Cold or fever
- Headaches
- Itching or rashes
- High blood sugar
Immunotherapy Medications
Current checkpoint inhibitors target the PD-1 and CTLA-4 receptors. Commonly used drugs include:
- Ipilimumab (Yervoy®)
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®)
- Nivolumab (Opdivo®)
- Atezolizumab (Tecentriq®)
Research and development of new immunotherapy drugs are ongoing.
Post-immunotherapy Care
Follow-up care is essential after completing cancer treatment. This care helps manage long-term side effects and monitors for new ones. Follow-up care may include regular physical exams and diagnostic tests.
Do’s during treatment
- Rest well.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Stay active.
- Reduce stress.
Dont’s During the Treatment
- Skip large meals.
- Smoke or drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Your Questions: Navigate Our Frequently Asked Questions Section
Can cancer be cured by immunotherapy?
No, but immunotherapy can control cancer, prolong life, and sometimes halt cancer growth.
What advantages does immunotherapy have?
Immunotherapy can be beneficial for cancers that haven’t responded to conventional treatments or have recurred.
What are the risks or issues?
Not all cancers respond to immunotherapy, and it may not be successful for everyone who receives it.