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Cancer has long been a formidable enemy in the fight for health. However, in recent years, a revolutionary approach has emerged; Immunotherapy. This innovative treatment harnesses the power of the body's own immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells.

Immunotherapy can be lifesaving in certain types of cancer and it has been effectively used over the past few years. Since it is a new method of cancer treatment, many patients are afraid to undergo immunotherapy for cancer treatment. However, it is our duty as oncologists to make patients aware of the benefits and drawbacks of this therapy so that patients can make informed decisions.

How Does Immunotherapy Work?

To understand the workings of immunotherapy, it is imperative to understand the body’s immune system first.

Our immune system is a complex network of cells and tissues that defend us against infections and diseases. It is constantly on guard, recognizing and eliminating foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. Immunotherapy capitalizes on this natural defence mechanism to target cancer cells.

There are several ways immunotherapy can be used to fight cancer

Checkpoint Inhibitors: These drugs allow the immune cells to identify and attack the cancer cells effectively.

CAR T-cell Therapy: This personalized approach involves engineering a patient's T cells (immune cells) to target specific proteins on cancer cells.

Cancer Vaccines: Similar to vaccines for infectious diseases, these train the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Monoclonal antibodies: These are man-made versions of the immune system proteins that can attack certain parts of the cancer cells.

Advantages of Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy offers several advantages over traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation:

• Specificity: Immunotherapy targets cancer cells more precisely, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
• Long-term Benefits: In some cases, immunotherapy can lead to long-term remission or even a cure.
• Fewer Side Effects: Compared to traditional treatments, immunotherapy often causes less severe side effects.

The Future of Immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy is a rapidly evolving field with ongoing research exploring new targets and combinations of therapies. As research progresses, we can expect even more advancements in this promising area of cancer treatment and so many more patients can experience remission from their symptoms.

Dr. Seema Jagiasi
DNB DNB
Consultant Cancer Physician
MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre, Kemps Corner.