Immunotherapy in oncology: How does it work?
The fight against cancer is a difficult journey - but immunotherapy offers new hope. This innovative form of therapy harnesses the power of the body's own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
The Elytis Hospitalwe are at the forefront of cancer treatment, offering our patients access to the most advanced therapeutic options, including immunotherapy. Our multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiation therapists, surgeons and other specialists work together to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's individual needs.
This article will guide you through the fascinating world of immunotherapy, exploring its mechanisms of action, the types of immunotherapy available at Elytis Hospitalits benefits and potential side effects.
How does immunotherapy work?
The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. However, cancer cells have developed sophisticated mechanisms to hide from the immune system and avoid destruction.
Immunotherapy works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. This can be achieved through different mechanisms, such as:
- Improve the immune system's ability to identify cancer cells: Cancer cells can 'mask' surface proteins that make them visible to the immune system. Immunotherapy can help the immune system 'see' these cells and attack them.
- Boosting immune cell activity: Immunotherapy can stimulate the production and activity of T cells, a type of immune cell that plays a key role in killing cancer cells.
- Blocking signals that suppress the immune system: Cancer cells can send signals that 'turn off' the immune system. Immunotherapy can block these signals and allow the immune system to work at full capacity.
Types of immunotherapy available at Elytis Hospital
Elytis Hospital offers a wide range of immunotherapy treatments tailored to the type of cancer and the individual needs of each patient. These include:
- Checkpoint inhibitors: These drugs block the checkpoint proteins on the surface of immune cells that normally keep the immune response in check. By blocking these proteins, checkpoint inhibitors allow the immune system to attack cancer cells more aggressively.
- Adoptive cell therapies: These therapies involve collecting and modifying a patient's own immune cells in the laboratory to increase their ability to fight cancer. The modified cells are then infused back into the patient's body, where they can attack cancer cells.
- Cancer vaccines: These vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against cancer cells.
- Cytokines: These proteins are naturally produced by the immune system and can be used to boost the immune response against cancer.
Benefits of immunotherapy
Immunotherapy offers a number of important benefits over traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy:
- Increased effectiveness: Immunotherapy may be more effective than traditional treatments in certain types of cancer.
- Fewer side effects: Immunotherapy tends to have fewer and milder side effects than chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Lasting response: Immunotherapy can lead to a lasting response, even after treatment is stopped.
- Improved quality of life: Immunotherapy can help patients feel better and have a better quality of life during treatment.
Potential side effects of immunotherapy
Although immunotherapy is generally well tolerated, it can cause certain side effects, such as:
- Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, pain.
- Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches.
- Skin problems: rash, itching, dryness.
- Gastrointestinal problems: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
- Endocrine problems: Changes in thyroid, pituitary or adrenal function.
- Neurological problems: muscle weakness, numbness, tingling.
- Severe allergic reactions: In rare cases, immunotherapy can cause severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention.
It is important to talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of immunotherapy and report any unusual symptoms you experience.
Advanced cancer treatment at Elytis Hospital
The Elytis Hospitalwe are dedicated to providing the best oncology services. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists uses an integrated and personalized approach to help you fight cancer.
Our services include:
- Oncologic consultations: Assessing health status, making a diagnosis and recommending a personalized treatment plan.
- Immunotherapy: We offer a wide range of immunotherapy treatments, tailored to the type of cancer and the individual needs of each patient.
- Chemotherapy: The administration of cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy: The use of ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells.
- Oncologic surgery: surgical removal of tumors.
- Palliative care: Care and support for patients with advanced cancer.
At Elytis Hospital, we are with you in the fight against cancer! We offer you access to the most advanced treatments and support you throughout your care.
Feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about the treatment options available!
Latest medical review:
19.01.2025, Dr. Claudia Oprea - Oncology Specialist
