Many individuals who want to beat cancer go for immunotherapy treatment. But, it’s different than traditional chemotherapy, which kills both cancer and healthy cells. But each kind of cancer is different. So, immunotherapy doesn’t work for all types of cancer or all people with cancer. But, the overall positive response to immunotherapy treatments is 15 to 20%. So, doctors and Oncology specialists are on their way to testing new treatments. Therefore, some kinds of immunotherapy are now part of the standard treatment for certain kinds of cancer. It helps doctors to use it in different cases. One is before other treatments, alone or with other treatments like chemo. If other treatments fail, they use immunotherapy.
Basics of the Immune System of the Body
The immune system is the body’s defence against dangerous invaders, such as viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. It comprises different cells, tissues, and organs working together to identify and neutralise these threats. Key parts include white blood cells, antibodies, the lymphatic system, the spleen, and bone marrow. So, Oncology specialists work closely whenever they deal with cancer treatments.
However, the immune system works in two ways:
- Innate Immunity is the first line of defence. Its physical barriers, such as the skin and immune cells, respond quickly to infections.
- Adaptive Immunity is more specific and develops over time when the body is exposed to different pathogens. It includes the production of specific antibodies and memory cells, which recognise and attack previously encountered invaders.
A wholesome immune system is critical for overall well-being. But if it’s overactive (as in autoimmune diseases) or underactive (as in immunodeficiency), it can cause health issues. So, Oncology specialists work closely whenever they deal with cancer treatments.
Types of Immunotherapy Used for Cancer Treatment by Oncology Specialists
In cancer treatment, Immunotherapy is a unique solution. The treatment uses the body’s immune system to target and kill cancer cells. So, it does not work the same as the traditional treatments. Plus, this helps the immune system identify and quickly attack cancer. Here are some of the types of immunotherapy used in cancer treatment:
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MABs or Monoclonal Antibodies
These lab-made antibodies are designed to target specific proteins in cancer cells and tag them for the immune system to destroy. Thus, their role is to stop the signals that may help cancer cells grow.
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Cytokines
These are proteins that help regulate and boost the immune system. They work like the interleukins and interferons. So, the oncologists use them to boost the immune response against cancer cells.
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Checkpoint Inhibitors
These drugs block the proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. By blocking these “checkpoints,” the immune system can better recognise and destroy cancer cells.
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CAR T Cell Therapy
This personalised treatment involves modifying a patient’s T cells in the lab to recognise and attack cancer cells better. Once infused back into the body, these engineered cells attack and kill cancer cells more effectively.
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Vaccines
Vaccines work by having the immune system attack cancer cells. They can be preventive (like the HPV vaccine) or therapeutic (to treat existing cancers by boosting the immune response).
How Does Immunotherapy Work to Treat Cancer?
Immunotherapy makes your immune system more powerful in dealing with cancer. Oncology specialists suggest this treatment for many types of cancer. Cancer cells sometimes stay hidden while our natural immune system attacks harmful invaders. So, in this scenario, the immunotherapy proves helpful. It can-
- Help the immune system identify cancer cells
- Destroy the cancer cells
- Boost the immune response
- Reduce the risks of cancer return
Types of Cancer Treated by Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has shown promise for types of cancer. Therefore, many patients go to an Oncology cancer centre for that. So, below are some cancers that can benefit from immunotherapy:
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Bladder Cancer
When other treatments fail, immunotherapy can be a lifeline. It targets advanced or metastatic bladder cancer. They do it by prompting the immune system to attack the cancer cells directly.
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Breast Cancer
However, not all forms of breast cancer respond to immunotherapy. But, immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown effectiveness in treating triple-negative breast cancer.
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Brain Cancer
Immunotherapy is showing good results for brain tumours. So it can treat brain cancers such as glioblastoma. Plus, immunotherapy helps the immune system’s ability to recognise and destroy malignant cells in the brain.
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Cervical Cancer
For advanced cervical cancer, immunotherapy boosts the immune system’s capacity. As a result, it identifies and attacks cancer cells, particularly after other treatments have fallen short.
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Esophageal Cancer
In advanced oesophagal cancer, immunotherapy helps slow disease progression by enhancing the immune response against cancer cells.
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Colorectal Cancer
Immunotherapy proves particularly effective in colorectal cancers with high MSI-H or dMMR. It helps the immune system target cancer more aggressively.
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Kidney Cancer
Immunotherapy is a critical treatment option for advanced kidney cancer. It aids the immune system in combating cancer cells that resist traditional therapies.
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Leukemia
CAR T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy, is making significant strides in treating certain forms of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
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Lymphoma
Various forms of lymphoma respond well to immunotherapy. They are CAR T-cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Both offer new options when other treatments have failed.
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Lung Cancer
Immunotherapy has become indispensable in treating advanced (NSCLC). It boosts the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells.
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Skin Cancer
Immunotherapy is making strides in treating other skin cancers. It can treat Merkel cell carcinoma and improve the immune response to cancerous growth.
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Stomach Cancer
Advanced stomach cancer is another area where immunotherapy is there. It enables the immune system to target cancer cells better and destroy them.
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Sarcoma
For certain sarcomas resistant to chemotherapy, immunotherapy is offering new hope. It prompts prompting the immune system to combat these rare cancers.
Is There Any Risk of Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment?
Immunotherapy has risks, such as side effects, which vary. However, identifying the side effects is crucial for every cancer patient. So, whenever they notice any of the side effects, they must rush to a cancer centre or a hospital. After that, medical experts can look into that matter.
The most common side effect of immunotherapy treatment is skin reactions. So, the patients undergoing the treatment may experience itchiness, redness, and rashes on their skin. Besides this, there are other side effects as well. Like-
- Gastrointestinal problems like colitis or diarrhoea
- Respiratory problems like difficulty in breathing or coughing
- Flu-like side effects include muscle aches, chills, fever, fatigue, etc.
- Conditions such as adrenal insufficiency or hypothyroidism
- Constipation
- Low appetite
- Vomiting
Conclusion
Immunotherapy represents a great advancement in cancer treatment. Furthermore, it offers hope for a wide range of cancers. So, this approach is transforming patient outcomes. However, the research continues to expand its applications. Plus, it will help patients get more benefits from personalised and effective treatments.
If you or a loved one are exploring cancer treatment options, visit Sierra Hematology & Oncology. It is a reputable Oncology cancer center that offers different cancer treatments and can provide information about the latest advancements in immunotherapy.
FAQs
- Is immunotherapy effective in stage 4 cancer?
Immunotherapy has given good results in extending survival in stage 4 cancer and effectively improving the quality of life of stage 4 cancer patients. However, it is still not a guaranteed cure.
- What do patients maintain after getting immunotherapy?
Patients can manage fatigue by taking short naps of 15-20 minutes and doing light exercises. They can do walking to boost their energy. Drinking 8-10 glasses of non-caffeinated liquids daily is good for patients.
- How long can a patient rely on immunotherapy?
Depending on treatment response and side effects, the length of time a patient can remain on immunotherapy varies. Generally, patients need to stay on immunotherapy for at least two years.
- Is immunotherapy painful?
Yes, immunotherapy is painful. The infusion of the immunotherapeutic drug into your body through the skin may set off an inflammation reaction at the site of the needle.