Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is an advanced medical treatment designed to strengthen or modify the body’s natural immune system to fight diseases, most commonly cancer. It works by empowering the immune cells to recognize and destroy harmful cells more effectively. Over the last decade, immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough therapy, providing new hope for patients who do not respond well to conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
How Immunotherapy Works
The immune system constantly scans the body for abnormal cells. However, cancer cells can hide by producing proteins that deactivate immune responses. Immunotherapy blocks these signals, activates immune cells, and enhances their ability to target and eliminate cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments depending on the patient’s condition.
Who Needs Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is recommended for cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, lymphoma, and certain types of head and neck cancers. It may also be useful in autoimmune disorders, allergies, and some chronic infections, though approaches differ.
Symptoms That May Lead to Immunotherapy
Patients may be advised to consider immunotherapy when they experience:
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic pain or swelling
- Recurrent infections
- Not responding to standard cancer treatments
- Progressive disease despite previous therapies
These symptoms are evaluated by a specialist before recommending immunotherapy.
Causes of Conditions Requiring Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is not a treatment for a single cause; instead, it addresses conditions where:
- Cancer cells suppress the immune system
- Genetic mutations cause abnormal cell growth
- Chronic inflammation weakens immunity
- Autoimmune reactions require immune modulation
- Allergic reactions need immune desensitization
Types of Immunotherapy
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Block signals that stop immune cells from attacking cancer.
- Targeted Antibodies: Bind to cancer cells to mark them for immune destruction.
- CAR T-Cell Therapy: Patient’s T-cells are modified and reinfused to fight cancer.
- Cancer Vaccines: Stimulate the immune system to recognize cancer antigens.
- Cytokine Therapy: Uses immune-boosting proteins like interferons and interleukins.
Benefits
- Fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy
- Long-lasting response in many cancers
- Effective even in advanced-stage disease
- Can be combined with multiple therapies
Possible Side Effects
- Fever, fatigue, body aches
- Skin rash or itching
- Inflammation of organs (lungs, liver, colon)
- Hormonal changes
- Allergic reactions