Immunotherapy: How it works, Risks, Benefits

What is immunotherapy and how does it work?

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. It works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, or by introducing immune cells that can target and destroy cancer cells.

There are several types of immunotherapy, including:

1. Monoclonal antibodies: These are laboratory-made proteins that are designed to target specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells. They work by binding to these proteins and marking them for destruction by the immune system.
2. Checkpoint inhibitors: These are medications that block certain proteins on the surface of T-cells, which are a type of immune cell. By blocking these proteins, checkpoint inhibitors allow the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
3. Cancer vaccines: These are medications that are designed to stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response against specific types of cancer cells.
4. Adoptive T-cell therapy: This is a type of immunotherapy in which T-cells are taken from a patient’s blood or bone marrow, genetically modified to recognize and attack cancer cells, and then returned to the patient.
5. CAR-T cell therapy: This is a type of adoptive T-cell therapy in which T-cells are genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that recognizes a specific protein on the surface of cancer cells.

Immunotherapy works by:

1. Activating the immune system: Immunotherapy activates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
2. Targeting specific proteins: Immunotherapy targets specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, such as PD-1 or PD-L1, which helps to stimulate an immune response.
3. Enhancing immune function: Immunotherapy enhances the function of immune cells, such as T-cells, which helps them to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
4. Reducing tumor growth: Immunotherapy can help to reduce the growth and spread of tumors by stimulating an immune response against cancer cells.

Immunotherapy has several potential benefits, including:

1. Targeted treatment: Immunotherapy targets specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, which can help to reduce side effects and improve efficacy.
2. Long-term response: Immunotherapy can lead to long-term responses in some patients, even after treatment has stopped.
3. Reduced toxicity: Immunotherapy may have fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
4. Improved quality of life: Immunotherapy can help to improve quality of life by reducing symptoms and improving overall health.

However, immunotherapy also has some potential risks and side effects, including:

1. Immune-related adverse events: Immunotherapy can cause immune-related side effects, such as inflammation or autoimmune reactions.
2. Infections: Immunotherapy can increase the risk of infections due to impaired immune function.
3. Fatigue: Immunotherapy can cause fatigue, which can be severe in some cases.

Overall, immunotherapy is a promising approach for treating cancer, and ongoing research is focused on improving its safety and efficacy.

What are the risks associated with immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. While it has shown promising results in many cases, it can also have risks and side effects. Some of the potential risks associated with immunotherapy include:

1. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs): Immunotherapy can cause irAEs, which are side effects that occur when the immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy cells or tissues. Examples of irAEs include:
   • Inflammation of the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes
   • Colitis (inflammation of the colon)
   • Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
   • Pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs)
   • Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
2. Infections: Immunotherapy can increase the risk of infections due to impaired immune function. This is particularly true for patients who are taking checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or nivolumab (Opdivo).
3. Autoimmune disorders: Immunotherapy can trigger autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
4. Fatigue: Immunotherapy can cause fatigue, which can be severe in some cases.
5. Nephritis (kidney inflammation): Some immunotherapies have been associated with an increased risk of nephritis.
6. Neuropathy: Immunotherapy can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and feet.
7. Cardiac issues: Some immunotherapies have been linked to an increased risk of cardiac issues, such as arrhythmias or heart failure.
8. Skin reactions: Immunotherapy can cause skin reactions, including rash, itching, and redness.
9. Respiratory problems: Immunotherapy can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, shortness of breath, or bronchitis.
10. Ocular toxicity: Some immunotherapies have been associated with an increased risk of ocular toxicity, including uveitis or retinal detachment.
11. Neurocognitive changes: Immunotherapy can cause changes in cognitive function, including memory loss or difficulty concentrating.
12. Emotional distress: Immunotherapy can cause emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or mood swings.

It’s essential to note that not all patients will experience these side effects, and many patients will not experience any significant side effects at all. However, it’s crucial to discuss the potential risks and side effects with your healthcare provider before starting immunotherapy treatment.

It’s also important to remember that immunotherapy is a highly individualized treatment, and the risks and benefits will vary depending on the specific therapy being used and the patient’s overall health status. Your healthcare provider will work with you to monitor your response to treatment and manage any side effects that may occur.