Immunotherapy, also known as biologic therapy, is a type of treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight diseases such as cancer, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. In cancer treatment, immunotherapy aims to boost the body’s natural defenses to target and destroy cancer cells.
Cancer immunotherapy is used to treat various types of cancer and is often used when other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, have not been effective. It works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
The side effects of cancer immunotherapy can vary depending on the specific treatment and the individual’s response. Common side effects may include fatigue, flu-like symptoms, skin reactions, digestive issues, and changes in appetite or weight.
Before starting cancer immunotherapy, a healthcare provider will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical exam, blood tests, imaging studies, and other tests to determine the type and stage of cancer and assess the suitability of immunotherapy as a treatment option.
There are several types of immunotherapy treatments for cancer, including:
1. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: These drugs target checkpoints, or proteins, on immune cells (such as T cells) or cancer cells. By blocking these checkpoints, the drugs help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Examples include pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab.
2. CAR T-cell Therapy: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a type of adoptive cell transfer in which a patient’s T cells are collected and genetically modified to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The modified T cells are then infused back into the patient to target and destroy cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy has shown promising results in treating certain types of blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
3. Oncolytic Virus Therapy: This approach uses viruses that are modified to infect and kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Oncolytic viruses can also stimulate the immune system to attack the cancer cells. Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is an example of an oncolytic virus therapy approved for the treatment of melanoma.
4. Cancer Vaccines: Cancer vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. These vaccines can be made from cancer cells, parts of cancer cells, or substances that resemble cancer cells. They are used to prevent cancer from recurring or to treat existing cancer. Examples include the HPV vaccine for preventing cervical cancer and the Sipuleucel-T vaccine for treating advanced prostate cancer.
5. Cytokine Therapy: Cytokines are proteins that help regulate the immune response. Cytokine therapy involves administering cytokines, such as interleukins and interferons, to boost the immune response against cancer cells. These treatments can help stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells more effectively.
There are several types of immunotherapy treatments for cancer, including:
While cancer immunotherapy can be effective in treating cancer, it can also cause side effects and complications. Common complications include:
