Immunotherapy for Cancer

Overview

Immunotherapy, also called biological therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that uses natural substances or living organisms (like bacteria or proteins) to help fight cancer. It works by strengthening the body’s immune system, which protects the body from infections and disease. When the immune system is working well, it can find and destroy cells that are not normal, which helps stop cancer from growing and can fight cancer more effectively.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions before starting immunotherapy. They will give you specific guidelines based on your needs and medical history. Some general instructions may include:

Medication review: Your doctor will check all the medications you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins or supplements (extra nutrients like fish oil or herbal pills). Some medications can interfere with immunotherapy, so it is important to let your doctor know about everything you are taking.
Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including past treatments or allergies. This information helps them choose the best plan for your immunotherapy.
Lab tests: You may need to have blood tests or other lab work to check your health. These tests look at things like how well your organs are working, the number of blood cells, or your immune system. The results help your doctor decide if immunotherapy is the right treatment for you.
Lifestyle adjustments: Your doctor may suggest things like eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and finding ways to reduce stress. These changes can help your body stay strong during treatment.

During the immunotherapy procedure:

How it’s given: Immunotherapy can be given in different ways, such as through injections, intravenous (IV) infusions through a vein, pills, creams applied to the skin, or directly into certain parts of the body like the bladder. The way it’s given depends on the type of cancer and the immunotherapy drug being used.
Healthcare professionals: Immunotherapy is done by cancer-centered healthcare professionals, such as oncologists or nurses who are specially trained in giving these treatments. They will carefully watch your condition during the procedure to make sure it’s safe and working effectively.

After the immunotherapy procedure:

Recovery: The recovery process after immunotherapy can be different for each person, depending on the treatment you received. You may experience side effects such as feeling tired (fatigue), flu-like symptoms, skin reactions, or stomach problems. It is important to rest and take care of yourself during this time.
Follow-up appointments: Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to check your progress and see how well the treatment is working. They may order more tests or adjust your treatment if needed.
Handling side effects: If you experience any side effects from immunotherapy, it is important to talk with your healthcare team. They can give advice on how to deal with these side effects and provide care to help you feel more comfortable.

Possible complications from immunotherapy:

Immune-related side effects: Immunotherapy can sometimes cause the immune system to attack healthy cells, not just cancer cells. This can affect different organs in the body and may need extra treatment or care.
Safety steps: It is important to follow the instructions from your healthcare team, such as avoiding infections or certain medications that might interfere with immunotherapy.

When to call the doctor after immunotherapy:

If you experience severe or long-lasting side effects that make daily life hard for you.
If you notice any new symptoms or changes that don’t get better with time.

Remember that everyone’s experience with immunotherapy may be different, so it is important to keep communicating with your healthcare team as you go through treatment.

Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.