What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your body's immune system fight cancer. Your immune system, which usually fights infections, can also target cancer cells. But sometimes cancer cells hide or block the immune response. Immunotherapy gives your immune system a boost or teaches it to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Immunotherapy uses special drugs that:
- Boost immune cells: Some treatments make immune cells stronger so they can fight cancer more effectively.
- Mark cancer cells: Other drugs “tag” cancer cells, making it easier for immune cells to find and attack them.
- Block cancer’s defenses: Some cancers create a barrier around themselves. Immunotherapy can break down these defenses so that the immune system can reach the cancer.
How is Immunotherapy Given?
Immunotherapy is delivered in various ways based on the specific treatment and cancer type:
- Intravenous (IV): Delivered directly into the bloodstream, commonly done at a clinic.
- Oral (Pills): Some immunotherapy drugs come as pills you can take at home.
- Injection: Injected under the skin or into muscles.
- Topical Cream: Applied to the skin for certain skin cancers.
Your doctor will decide the best method for you based on your specific needs.
When is Immunotherapy Given?
Immunotherapy is usually considered for certain types of cancer or when other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation aren’t enough. It may be given if:
- The cancer has spread or returned after other treatments.
- The cancer is advanced and harder to treat with surgery or radiation.
- The specific cancer type is known to respond well to immunotherapy (like melanoma, lung cancer, or bladder cancer).
- Patient’s body is too weak for chemotherapy
Your doctor will determine if immunotherapy is right based on your specific type of cancer, stage, and overall health.
Where and How Often Will You Receive the Treatment?
Most immunotherapy treatments are administered in a hospital or outpatient clinic, where medical staff monitor your progress. Some treatments, such as oral immunotherapy, can be taken at home.
The frequency of treatment varies:
- Every 2-4 weeks for IV immunotherapies.
- Daily, weekly, or monthly for pill or injection-based treatments.
- Treatments are often given in cycles, allowing time for your body to rest between sessions.
Your treatment schedule is tailored to your needs and adjusted based on your body’s response.
What to Expect
- During Treatment: Treatment sessions might last a few hours, especially for IV infusions, as medical staff monitor for any reactions.
- Possible Side Effects: Some people may feel tired, experience nausea, fever, or have skin changes. Side effects vary with each type of immunotherapy.
- Response Time: Immunotherapy works gradually since it’s boosting your immune system, so you might see slow but steady progress.
Your healthcare team will be there to help manage any side effects and answer any questions.
Preparing for Immunotherapy
Here are a few ways to prepare for your treatment:
- Follow Pre-Treatment Instructions: Your doctor may advise avoiding certain foods, medicines, or activities before treatment.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Drinking water and eating balanced meals can support your energy levels.
- Comfort Items: Bring things like a book, headphones, or a blanket to help you feel more at ease during your treatment.
- Arrange Transportation: You may feel tired after treatment, so having someone drive you home can be helpful.
- Ask Questions: Feel free to ask your doctor any questions to ease your mind and help you feel prepared.
Being well-prepared can make your treatment experience more comfortable.
Tracking Progress
Monitoring your progress is crucial to assess how well the immunotherapy is working:
- Regular Check-Ups: Routine doctor visits will help track your response to treatment.
- Imaging Tests: Periodic scans like CT or PET scans show whether the cancer is shrinking or stable.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests reveal how your immune system and organs are reacting.
- Symptom Journal: Keep a journal of how you feel each day. This helps you and your doctor track any changes or side effects and make necessary adjustments.
Your doctor uses these results to adjust your treatment plan as needed, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Common Immunotherapy Drugs
Here are some commonly used immunotherapy drugs:
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): Used for cancers like melanoma and lung cancer.
- Nivolumab (Opdivo): Often used for melanoma, lung, and kidney cancers.
- Ipilimumab (Yervoy): Works by enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
- Atezolizumab (Tecentriq): Used for cancers like bladder and certain lung cancers.
- CAR T-Cell Therapy drugs like tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah): Specialized treatments where immune cells are modified to target cancer cells directly.
Patient Assistance Programs (PAP)
Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) are available to make immunotherapy more affordable and accessible.
They provide:
- Financial Assistance: Cover some or all costs for eligible patients.
- Free Drug Programs: Some pharmaceutical companies offer free immunotherapy drugs for those who qualify.
- Patient Support Services: Offer education, emotional support, and resources for managing side effects.
If you’re interested, ask your doctor or hospital about available PAPs or check with support organizations to see if you qualify.
Immunotherapy is a powerful approach to cancer treatment that empowers your body to fight back. With tailored treatment plans, patient assistance programs, and continuous tracking, immunotherapy offers a path to hope and healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. It enhances your body's natural defenses to fight cancer more effectively.
Immunotherapy boosts immune cells, marks cancer cells for destruction, and blocks cancer's ability to evade the immune system.
It's used for certain cancers or when other treatments like chemotherapy aren't effective. Your doctor will decide if it's right for you.
Immunotherapy can be given through IV, injections, pills, or topical creams depending on the type of cancer and treatment plan.
You may experience mild side effects like fatigue or nausea, but it works gradually, so progress might be slow but steady.
Common side effects include fatigue, skin reactions, fever, and nausea. Your healthcare team will help manage them.
Oncare provides personalized care with a dedicated team of specialists and cutting-edge treatments. We prioritize patient comfort and effective, precise treatment.
Yes, Oncare will guide you through the paperwork process for Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) to help make immunotherapy more affordable.
Oncare offers competitive pricing and works with assistance programs to help reduce the financial burden of cancer treatments. We prioritize accessibility for every patient.