Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses one’s immune system to fight off cancer cells. Recently, it has emerged as a promising option for treating different types of cancers. Unlike traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which target healthy and abnormal cells, immunotherapy specifically targets and destroys cancer cells while leaving normal ones unharmed.
Immunotherapy works by enhancing or strengthening the body’s natural defences against cancer. It uses checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and cytokines to boost the immune system’s ability to identify and attack cancerous cells. It has shown remarkable results in treating different types of cancers, such as lung cancer, melanoma, bladder cancer, lymphoma, and leukaemia, among others.
How does Immunotherapy work?
Immunotherapy for cancer has emerged as an innovative and promising treatment option in recent years. The immune system plays a crucial role in our body’s defence mechanisms, protecting against foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria. Cancer cells, however, can evade the immune system’s detection and grow uncontrollably.
Immunotherapy is designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. It works by stimulating the body’s natural defences or introducing artificial components mimicking them. This therapy is often used with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Immunotherapy can be divided into several categories based on how they work; some drugs target specific molecules on cancer cells, while others augment the production of immune cells capable of recognizing and destroying cancerous tissues.
Difference between types of cancer treatments
There are various methods to treat cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and Immunotherapy. Each treatment method has its benefits and drawbacks.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a well-known cancer treatment that involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The medication can be given through an injection or orally. It targets all rapidly dividing cells, including healthy ones; hence, patients may experience side effects such as hair loss and nausea.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells while sparing normal tissue. This method may cause similar side effects to chemotherapy but is more targeted towards affected areas.
Immunotherapy: It is a new approach that boosts the patient’s immune system to fight cancer while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Types of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy for cancer is a treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. It is a rapidly evolving field in cancer therapy, and different types of immunotherapies are available. These treatments aim to boost the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
One type of Immunotherapy is checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins called checkpoints that prevent our immune system from attacking healthy cells. The immune system can target and destroy cancer cells more effectively by blocking these checkpoints. Another type of Immunotherapy is CAR-T cell therapy, which involves modifying patients’ T-cells to recognize and kill cancer cells.
Other immunotherapies include vaccines that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against specific tumour antigens and monoclonal antibodies that specifically target proteins on the surface of cancer cells.
What are the side effects of Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy has been a breakthrough treatment for cancer patients. While it has shown promising results in treating several types of cancers, it is not without its side effects.
One common side effect of Immunotherapy is fatigue. Patients may experience extreme tiredness, even with minimal physical activity. Another potential side effect is skin rash or itching, which can be mild or severe depending on the patient’s reaction to the treatment. Some patients may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches.
Questions for your Healthcare providers
Immunotherapy for cancer has become an increasingly popular treatment in recent years. It works by using the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells rather than relying solely on traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. However, asking your doctor questions before starting any medical treatment is important.
One of the most important questions to ask your doctor is whether Immunotherapy is viable for your type of cancer. Not all cancers respond equally well to Immunotherapy, so it is important to understand the potential benefits and risks associated with this treatment option. Additionally, it would be best to ask about any potential side effects that may occur during or after treatment with Immunotherapy.
