Immunotherapy: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
An immunotherapy treatment uses the body's immune system to fight cancer, also known as biologic therapy or biotherapy. As opposed to conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Different types of cancer can be treated with immunotherapy alone or in combination with other treatments.
Preparation
Several steps are involved in immunotherapy preparation:
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Patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation before starting immunotherapy to determine their overall health, cancer stage, and suitability for treatment. A physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests may be used to determine the extent of the cancer and the best treatment options.
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Patients meet with their healthcare team to discuss immunotherapy goals, potential benefits and risks, treatment schedule, and expectations, including oncologists, nurses, and other specialists. A patient can ask questions, express concerns, and make informed decisions about their treatment plan based on their understanding.
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Before starting immunotherapy, patients are required to provide informed consent, which ensures they are aware of the treatment's nature, potential side effects, and alternative treatment options. Inquiries and concerns about treatment should be discussed with patients' healthcare providers before consenting.
Procedure
A variety of immunotherapy treatments are available depending on the type of cancer being treated and the type of immunotherapy being used.
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Drugs called checkpoint inhibitors are administered intravenously (IV) in a clinic or hospital setting to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
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In CAR T-cell therapy, a patient's own T cells are genetically modified to recognize and kill cancer cells. After being extracted from the patient's body, the T cells are modified and then infused back into them.
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It involves administering synthetic cytokines, such as interleukins or interferons, to boost the immune system's ability to target cancer cells.
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A monoclonal antibody is a molecule produced in the lab that targets specific proteins on cancer cells and marks them for destruction by the immune system. They are administered by injection or infusion.
Recovery
A person's recovery from immunotherapy depends on their response to treatment and the side effects they experience. Common side effects of immunotherapy include:
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Getting plenty of rest and pacing activities can help manage fatigue during and after immunotherapy treatment.
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There is a possibility that some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and headache, which usually resolve within a few days.
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Immunotherapy may cause skin reactions, such as rash, itching, or dryness. Gentle skincare products and moisturizers can help alleviate discomfort.
Risks
Despite the fact that immunotherapy is generally well tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects or adverse reactions. These risks include:
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As a result of immunotherapy, the immune system can sometimes attack healthy tissues and organs in the body, causing inflammation and damage to the skin, lungs, liver, and intestines.
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A variety of immunotherapy drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors, can cause immune-related side effects, including inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis), intestines (colitis), or endocrine glands (thyroiditis, adrenal insufficiency).
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Individuals may experience allergic reactions to immunotherapy drugs, which can manifest as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reactions require immediate medical attention.
Aftercare
Following immunotherapy, patients should:
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Following-up Appointments: Patients are scheduled for regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare providers to monitor their response to treatment, assess side effects, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
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To optimize treatment outcomes, patients should pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms and immediately report them to their healthcare team.
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A healthy lifestyle includes eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
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To cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer treatment, patients may benefit from joining support groups or seeking counseling. Connecting with others who experience similar challenges can offer valuable encouragement and support.
