Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a modern cancer treatment that helps the body's immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. Unlike treatments that directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy works by strengthening or restoring the immune response against cancer. It may be recommended alone or alongside chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or surgery, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
How Immunotherapy Works
Cancer cells can sometimes avoid detection by the immune system. Cancer immunotherapy can help overcome these mechanisms and improve the body's ability to respond to cancer. Treatment options may include immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and other forms of immunotherapy. The appropriate treatment depends on the cancer type, biomarkers, overall health, and previous treatments.
Who May Benefit?
Immunotherapy is used for selected cancers, including certain cases of lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, and other cancers. Your oncology team may recommend tests to determine whether immunotherapy is appropriate for your condition.
What to Expect
Treatment is commonly given through an intravenous infusion at scheduled intervals. The duration and frequency vary according to the medicine and treatment plan. Patients are monitored for possible immunotherapy side effects, which may include fatigue, skin changes, fever, diarrhea, or inflammation affecting certain organs. Promptly reporting new or unusual symptoms helps the medical team manage them appropriately.