Immunotherapy has been recommended by most of the researchers worldwide. In this article, you will discover more interesting facts about what is immunotherapy and its possible effects.
What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, is a form of cancer treatment. This treatment works by activating and suppressing the immune system. In this treatment, your body’s own immune power is used to treat cancer.
Immunotherapy has been used widely in recent years to treat various forms of cancer. The therapy can be used in several forms that includes targeted antibodies, cancer vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, and adjuvants. It uses
Immunotherapy has been approved as a first-line treatment in the United States and in several countries to treat different forms of cancers.
Though Immunotherapy is widely recommended, it doesn’t always work for all patients. It also gives some manageable side effects. There are several scientists working to determine which patients are more likely to respond to the treatment and which cannot. The immunotherapy treatments are now helping to save the lives of several cancer patients. The treatments are now becoming more precise and personalized. They are designed to provide fewer side effects. Read now to discover how effective immunotherapy drugs are to treat lung cancer.
Immunotherapy can treat almost all types of cancer. It works by enhancing the immune system to spot, target, and attack specific cancer cells. It also provides additional components to your body to enhance the immune response. In some cases, Immunotherapy is given to patients along with other cancer treatments.
Does Immunotherapy Have Side Effects?
The immunotherapy treatments might accompany some side effects, however it may vary according to the immunotherapy treatment used. If these side effects are recognized, they are manageable.
The immunotherapy treatments might directly attack cancer or slow down its spread or make your immune system easier to destroy cancer cells. The side effects only occur when the treatment affects the healthy cells.
Side Effects of Immunotherapy:
- Skin reaction including redness, blisters, and dryness are some of the common side effects of immunotherapy on skin.
- It might also result in flu-like symptoms like chills, weakness, nausea, body aches, and fatigue.
- Muscle aches, shortness of breath, sinus congestion, headaches, diarrhea, cough, change in blood pressure, hair loss, and edema are some of the other possible side effects of immunotherapy.
These side effects may be associated with the area of treatment.
The side effects might resolve in a few months. However, some side effects are easily manageable and some might lead to life-threatening conditions. If you feel the side effects are difficult to handle, it is better to consult your doctor right away.