Immunotherapy
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy, as defined by the National Cancer Institute, "uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection, and other diseases."
Going through treatment (whether it be chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination) can be a very difficult experience not only for patients but for their families as well. Remember, you are never alone when receiving care at Baptist. Our nurse navigators are there for you every step of the way from diagnosis to follow-up care offering education, care coordination, counseling and connecting patients to community resources.
How does immunotherapy work?
There are several types of immunotherapies. They may target specific immune system cells or affect the immune system in a more general manner. As the NCI states, "Immunotherapy helps the immune system to better act against cancer." Some types are:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors
- T-cell transfer therapy
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Vaccines
- Immune system modulators
What are common side effects of immunotherapy?
While immunotherapy side effects will vary depending on the type of immunotherapy, it may cause flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fatigue, fever, muscle aches and pains, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. With any side effects, no matter the severity, it is important to let your doctor know about what you are experiencing when it starts. Your doctor needs to be aware of all that is going on, so they know when or if you need additional support or adjustments to your treatment to your maximum benefit.
How is immunotherapy administered?
Depending on the drugs and where the cancer is located, your treatment may be administered in one or more of these ways.
Orally
Immunotherapy is delivered as a pill or capsule – and is taken just as you do other medicines.
Intravenously
These immunotherapy drugs are administered directly to a vein. This treatment option is available on-site at our cancer care facilities throughout the Mid-South. This is also the most common immunotherapy delivery method.
Intravesical
Immunotherapy is administered into the bladder via a catheter. This treatment option is specific to bladder cancer and known as bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).
Topical
The immunotherapy drug is placed directly on the area of cancer on the skin as a cream. While topical treatments are not very common in cancer treatments, they can be used to treat early skin cancers.
Learn More About Our Cancer Care Services
In addition to immunotherapy treatment, Baptist Cancer Center offers a wide range of cancer treatment services. Whether you or a loved one needs genetic counseling, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, palliative care or another form of cancer support, we serve the Mid-South with close-to-home care. Learn more about our cancer services now.
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