How does Immunotherapy Work Against Cancer?

Cancer treatment has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, and one of the most revolutionary approaches is immunotherapy. Unlike traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation that directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy empowers the body's own immune system to recognize and fight cancer more effectively.

In this blog, we explore how immunotherapy works against cancer, the different types available, and how patients are benefitting from advanced treatments at institutions like Action Cancer Hospital.

Understanding the Immune System's Role

The immune system is your body’s natural defense mechanism, designed to detect and destroy abnormal cells—including cancerous ones. However, cancer cells are often smart enough to hide from immune attacks. They may:

• Produce signals that suppress immune responses

• Disguise themselves as normal cells

• Multiply so rapidly that the immune system can't keep up

Immunotherapy aims to overcome these barriers and retrain the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer more effectively.

How Immunotherapy Works

Immunotherapy works by enhancing or restoring the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Here's how it tackles cancer cells:

1. Boosting Immune Activity

Some immunotherapy treatments stimulate the immune system as a whole, making it more active against all threats, including cancer.

2. Targeting Specific Cancer Cells

Other forms train immune cells to recognize and attack only cancer cells, leaving healthy tissues unharmed.

3. Overcoming Immune Resistance

Cancer cells often develop the ability to "turn off" immune responses. Immunotherapy helps block these tactics, allowing immune cells to function properly.

Types of Immunotherapy

There are several types of immunotherapy being used and researched today. Each works differently, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

1. Checkpoint Inhibitors

Cancer cells can use certain "checkpoints" to avoid being attacked. Checkpoint inhibitors block these checkpoints, releasing the brakes on the immune system so it can attack cancer.

• Example: Drugs like nivolumab or pembrolizumab.

• Common Uses: Lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer.

2. CAR T-Cell Therapy

T-cells (a type of white blood cell) are taken from a patient, genetically modified to better recognize cancer, and then reintroduced into the body.

• Common Uses: Blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.

• Future Potential: Solid tumors like breast and lung cancer.

3. Cancer Vaccines

These vaccines stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells by exposing it to antigens found on tumors.

• Example: HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention.

4. Cytokine Therapy

Cytokines are proteins that help regulate immune responses. Injecting synthetic versions can supercharge the immune system.

• Examples: Interleukins and interferons.

5. Monoclonal Antibodies

These are lab-created proteins that bind to specific targets on cancer cells. They can also mark cancer cells so that the immune system can destroy them more easily.

• Example: Rituximab (used in lymphomas).

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Immunotherapy at Action Cancer Hospital

Action Cancer Hospital, a leading institution in cancer care, is at the forefront of offering advanced immunotherapy treatments. With a team of expert oncologists and state-of-the-art technology, patients receive personalized care that aligns with the latest global treatment protocols.

What sets Action Cancer Hospital apart:

• Precision diagnostics to match the right immunotherapy to each patient

• Access to clinical trials offering next-generation treatments

• Multi-disciplinary teams for a holistic approach to cancer care

Their approach not only improves survival rates but also enhances the quality of life during and after treatment.

Benefits of Immunotherapy

• Targeted Action: Reduces damage to healthy tissues compared to chemotherapy.

• Long-lasting Effects: In some cases, the immune system “remembers” cancer, reducing the chance of recurrence.

• Fewer Side Effects: Although side effects exist, many patients tolerate immunotherapy better than chemo or radiation.

Side Effects of Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is powerful, but it’s not without risks. Possible side effects include:

• Fatigue

• Fever or chills

• Skin rash

• Digestive problems

• In rare cases, inflammation of organs like the lungs or liver

At centers like Action Cancer Hospital, patients are closely monitored to manage any adverse reactions early and effectively.

Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is not suitable for every type of cancer or every patient. It’s most effective in:

• Certain types of lung cancer

• Melanoma (skin cancer)

• Bladder cancer

• Kidney cancer

• Blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma

Doctors conduct various tests to determine if a patient’s tumor expresses certain markers, like PD-L1, that indicate a likely response to immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy represents a breakthrough in cancer treatment, offering hope to many patients for whom other treatments have failed. As science progresses, immunotherapy continues to evolve, delivering more precise and effective cancer-fighting solutions.

With advanced cancer care facilities like Action Cancer Hospital leading the way, patients now have access to world-class immunotherapy right here in India. If you or a loved one is battling cancer, ask your oncologist whether immunotherapy might be the right path forward.