We are a part of a generation where medical treatments are highly advanced and helpful in treating even life-threatening diseases. Here we are talking about cancer treatments. There are multiple cancer treatments available, and immunotherapy is among the best ones.
If you know someone who is suffering from cancer, you might have heard about it. In this read, we discuss how effective is immunotherapy for cancer so that when you get to know the doctor for it, there will be no problem, and you can rely on them for the treatment.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a therapy that stimulates the immune system to fight against infection. It is helpful in treating different types of cancers and autoimmune diseases. In most cases, doctors suggest immunotherapy treat allergic reactions and other conditions when the body's immunity system is too weak to fight with it.
Right now, people get it done because immunotherapy drugs help the immunity system to work harder, and they will be able to get rid of cancer cells. According to research, some immunotherapy drugs are approved, and some are under clinical trials.
The doctor diagnoses the condition and knows which drug will be helpful in treating it.
Pros and Cons of immunotherapy:
It is also important for an individual to understand the pros and cons of immunotherapy. These are as follows:-
Pros of immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy is a better treatment than others:
As compared to other treatments, immunotherapy is the best treatment because it targets the immunity system and does not kill all the healthy cells in your body.
Immunotherapy can be a lifesaver when no other treatment helps:
Some people rely on medication to treat cancer, but fortunately, this is not the permanent solution. Well, in that case,, immunotherapy can be helpful. Along with medication, sometimes radiation and chemotherapy do not respond to it. But after having immunotherapy sessions, a person can easily feel comfortable and have the visible result.
The chance of having an encounter with cancer will be less after it:
After immunotherapy, the immunity system is quite strong, and it sufficiently fights cancer cells. It is unlikely that you will come across it in your lifetime. A person will be able to live a cancer-free life for a long time after having it.
Cons of immunotherapy:
Along with all the benefits, some problems are also there with it. These are:-
You may have encountered a bad reaction:
In the initial days, a person may have an encounter with a bad reaction. This could include the area where the medication goes into the body, and it appears to be swollen or red.
Immunotherapy may affect other organs and systems:
According to studies, some rare cases are there where immunotherapy effect is other organ and system. This includes:
Lung
Kidney
Intestine
Heart
Liver
Some side effects are also there with immunotherapy:
Some people have experienced side effects as well. The side effects of chemotherapy include:
Fever
Heart palpitations
Weight gain
Swelling
Diarrhea
Headache
Flu
Not a treatment for everyone:
Immunotherapy is an effective treatment but not a solution for everyone. Some people only respond to it partially, which means that the growth of cancer cells will not be restricted.
Risks with immunotherapy
As we all know, immunotherapy is an effective treatment, but some risks are also associated with it. These are:-
Effect on some other organs:
In most cases, it has been seen that immunotherapy affects other organs of the body like the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, and so on.
The body does not adopt it:
Sometimes the patient's body is not in the state to adopt the immunotherapy procedure. In that case, the body responds differently, and sometimes they are not able to resist the changes happening in the body.
Immunotherapy is a time-consuming process:
Immunotherapy is a time-consuming process, and there is no doubt that people need to wait for a longer duration to see the result. If you think that cancer will go away quickly, this is just a myth you are having. Also, if you are someone who is in the third or last stage of cancer, do not rely on it completely.
Are there ways to prevent or treat these side effects?
Palliative care or supportive care is important for improving the quality of life during cancer treatment. Your health professionals know how to help you and can provide many preventative and relieving treatments.
Cancer Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the patient's own immune system to fight cancer. This type of treatment is typically given when other treatments have failed. It has different side effects for each person, and some are worse than others. It's important to talk to your doctors about all of the possible side effects you might experience before starting immunotherapy.
It's important for your doctors to know when you are having problems with your treatment. Early detection can prevent more serious, permanent damage and save you from even worse outcomes.
The side effects of immunotherapy can be mild, moderate, or even life-threatening. Doctors grade side effects on a scale from 1 to 4, with one being mild and four being the most severe. For mild side effects, your treatment will likely continue, and you'll be fine.
Drug-related side effects can become quite severe, resulting in a way for your doctor to lessen the symptoms by putting you on low doses of corticosteroids. This will also help with other prescription medications that your doctor may recommend to ensure a smooth recovery.
If side effects go away or get better after treatment, your doctor might want to start immunotherapy again or adjust your treatment plan. This depends on the regimen you were trying. If side effects worsen or don't subside, this is something your doctor should watch out for and talk about with you.
So here, we have discussed immunotherapy in detail. It is important to approach an experienced doctor to get the treatment.
Whom to approach?
If you are looking for one, don’t hesitate to visit Jaipur now. Here, Dr. Tara Chand Gupta is the best oncologist you can approach. He has years of experience in treating such conditions and will suggest you the best possible treatment available. Fix the appointment now and be ready to get observed by the best doctor in the town!
FAQ:
What is the success rate of immunotherapy for cancer?
Success rates vary depending on the type of cancer and its stage. However, immunotherapy has shown promising results for many types of cancer. According to studies, it is more effective than chemotherapy in some cases. This is due to its ability to develop resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, which makes it difficult for patients to fight the disease.
What are the worst side effects of immunotherapy?
The worst side effects of immunotherapy are fatigue and anemia, which are common for people after any type of treatment that increases their body's white blood cells or red blood cells.
Which is better, chemotherapy or immunotherapy?
With advancements in immunotherapy, cancer treatment has become more effective. The use of chemotherapy has dropped significantly.
There are some factors that make one treatment better than the other. For instance, immunotherapy involves the patient’s immune system to fight off cancer cells. This makes it easier for them to resist and recover from their treatment without adverse effects like chemotherapy does to its patients due to its side effects. Furthermore, the results are better with fewer side effects.
Chemotherapy is typically given as a prescription for patients who aren’t responding well enough to other forms of therapy like radiation or immunotherapy. However, it should be noted that chemotherapy cannot fight cancer cells on its own but works with one or more other treatments like radiation therapy or any other.
Does immunotherapy extend life?
Immunotherapy is the process of stimulating the immune system with specific antibodies and immune-modulating agents such as cytokines and interleukins. It is a type of treatment that relies on the body's natural defense mechanisms. According to studies, it is known to extend life, and a person can live their life peacefully for months and years. In most cases, it also cured cancer too.
What happens in the body when you use immunotherapy?
However, sometimes the immune system can be overwhelmed by certain diseases. Immunotherapy is an alternative treatment that helps you fight these diseases with your own body's power to heal itself. It helps strengthen your immune system so it can better fight against what would otherwise be a fatal disease. This type of therapy is in use for many years but has just recently become more popular due to its effectiveness and affordability. The future of immunotherapy is bright as the field continues to progress.
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