Immunotherapy is a treatment that stimulates the body’s immune system to fight off cancer cells. It is an alternative option for those who don’t want to use surgery or radiation therapy or for cancer that has spread too far to be treated with surgery or radiation. Immunotherapy has been used with great success in treating many types of cancer, and it’s becoming increasingly popular as new treatments are developed.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Immunotherapy aims to help the body recognize and destroy cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. This is done by using drugs that boost the body’s natural defences, such as antibodies and cytokines, which are proteins released by the immune system in response to an infection or illness. These proteins can target specific cancer cells and trigger a reaction from the immune system that will help destroy them.
Immunotherapies can also be combined with other forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. This combination approach can increase the effectiveness of each type of treatment while reducing their side effects. For example, combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy can reduce the amount needed while achieving optimal results.
Types Of Immunotherapies Available
There are a variety of immunotherapies available for treating different types of cancers. Some common types include monoclonal antibody therapies, checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapies, cancer vaccines, cytokine therapies, and CAR-T cell therapies. Each type works differently depending on its mechanism of action and purpose; some are designed to boost the body’s natural defences against cancer, while others target cancer cells directly.
Side effects of Immunotherapies
Immunotherapy treatments can have potentially severe side effects, as the body’s immune system is being manipulated to fight cancer. Common side effects include fatigue, fever, chills, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, immunotherapies may cause anaphylaxis or even death in rare cases. Patients must discuss these risks with their doctor before embarking on any immunotherapy treatment.
Immunotherapies provide a promising alternative to traditional methods of treating cancer. By using the body’s defences against the disease, py can reduce the amount needed while achieving optimal results. With further research and development of new therapies, we are likely to Immunotherapy has become essential in fighting cancer because it targets specific areas within the body while leaving healthy cells unharmed. As more research is done into this treatment, we are beginning to understand how powerful it can be in helping patients fight their cancers successfully with minimal side effects. Immunotherapy may be worth exploring further with your doctor if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional treatments like surgery or radiation therapy for your particular type of cancer.
