Immunotherapy

Types of Immunotherapy

1. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors:

• These drugs remove barriers that cancer cells use to evade immune attacks.
• Examples include Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and Nivolumab (Opdivo), used for lung cancer and melanoma.

2. CAR-T Cell Therapy:

• This involves extracting immune cells from the patient, modifying them genetically in a lab to better recognize cancer cells, and reinfusing them into the body.
• Mainly used for blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

3. Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs):

• Lab-engineered proteins that bind to cancer cells, making them easier for the immune system to attack.
• Examples include Rituximab for lymphoma.

4. Cancer Vaccines:

• Designed to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer, such as Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) for prostate cancer.

5. Interleukins and Interferons:

• These substances boost immune responses and enhance the activity of immune cells against tumors.

 

 

Conditions Treated with Immunotherapy

• Lung cancer
• Melanoma (skin cancer)
• Kidney cancer
• Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Some cases of bladder, prostate, and breast cance

How is the Need for Immunotherapy Diagnosed?

Before starting immunotherapy, doctors conduct several tests to determine the patient’s suitability, including:

• Blood Tests: To measure immune cell levels and cancer markers.
• Genetic Biopsy: To analyze mutations that may affect treatment response.
• Immune Function Tests: To assess how well the body can tolerate immunotherapy.

How is Immunotherapy Administered?

• Intravenously: Drugs are infused directly into the bloodstream.
• Orally: Some immunotherapy medications come in pill form.
• Subcutaneous Injection: Used in some cases to boost immune response.

Possible Side Effects of Immunotherapy

Although immunotherapy is generally less toxic than chemotherapy, it may cause:

• Severe fatigue.
• Fever and joint pain.
• Inflammation of the lungs or intestines due to overactive immunity.
• Skin rash and allergic reactions.
• Liver or thyroid dysfunction.

Post-Treatment Care

• Monitoring for any side effects and managing symptoms.
• Maintaining a healthy diet to support immunity.
• Engaging in regular physical activity.
• Attending follow-up appointments to track treatment progress.

Immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer treatment, providing patients with a more sustainable and less harmful alternative to traditional treatments, offering better survival rates and improved quality of life.