Are the New Immunotherapies Right for You?

Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on October 27, 2021
2 min read

‌Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to find, attack, and get rid of cancer cells. The immune system is a large network of cells and proteins that protects the body from infection. Immunotherapy has been approved in the U.S. as a first-line treatment for some cancers. Learn more about how immunotherapy works and its risks and benefits so you can decide whether the treatment is an option for you.

‌Immunotherapy uses a person’s immune system to fight cancer. Healthy immune cells make protein molecules called cytokines, which help cells talk to each other. Immunotherapy boosts the immune system by putting more of these proteins into the body. It also makes it easier for the immune cells to find and attack cancer cells.

‌Immunotherapy has been effective in treating certain forms of cancer that don’t improve with other types of cancer treatments. It is used in the U.S. to treat almost 20 different cancer types and some cancers that have a specific genetic mutation. Immunotherapy also has some other key benefits: 

  • It has lesser side effects compared to other cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • ‌The body can stay protected from the cancer returning for much longer. 
  • ‌Immunotherapy shows potential to fight many different types of cancers under the right conditions. Research is ongoing, and treatments are evolving and getting better. 

‌Immunotherapy is still a new field, so there is much more to learn.   

  • ‌Sometimes immunotherapy may work for one patient but not for another. It also seems to work better for some types of cancers than for others. 
  • ‌It can be costly because treatments are created for each patient individually.   
  • ‌The long-term effects and effectiveness of immunotherapy are still unknown. Side effects from immunotherapy can start to show about 2 to 3 months after treatment, but these can be managed safely if treated soon enough.  
  • ‌Common side effects include headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, changes in blood pressure, and skin reactions.  
  • ‌There can be minor inflammation and flu-like symptoms.
  • Sometimes life-threatening conditions can develop. 

Talk to your doctor for specific advice on treatments for your condition. Different types of treatment are available for cancer. Your doctor may or may not recommend immunotherapy, depending on whether it’s the right option for you.

WebMD: Is Immunotherapy Right for You?

‌WebMD: Pros and Cons of Immunotherapy