At New England Cancer Specialists, we are proud to offer the latest advancements in cancer care. One of the most exciting treatments we provide is immunotherapy. It’s a powerful way to help your body fight cancer by using your own immune system. Let’s explore what immunotherapy is and how it can help you.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. The immune system is your body’s natural defense against illnesses. It can recognize and destroy harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. Immunotherapy boosts the immune system’s ability to find and attack cancer cells.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Immunotherapy works in several ways. It can:
- Boost the Immune System: Some immunotherapies help your immune system work better. They give your immune cells the strength to fight cancer cells.
- Mark Cancer Cells: Some treatments teach your immune system to find cancer cells more easily. They mark the cancer cells, so your immune system knows which cells to attack.
- Change How Cancer Grows: Immunotherapy can also change how cancer cells grow, making it harder for them to spread.
Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy can be helpful for many people with cancer, but not everyone. It is often used for cancers like melanoma, lung cancer, and certain types of leukemia. Your doctor will help you decide if immunotherapy is right for you based on your type of cancer and your overall health.
What Are the Side Effects of Immunotherapy?
While immunotherapy can be very effective, it can also cause side effects. Common side effects include:
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Skin rash
Most side effects are mild and go away after treatment, but some can be serious. Your doctor will monitor you closely to help manage any side effects.
How Is Immunotherapy Given?
Immunotherapy can be given in several ways:
- Intravenous (IV) Infusion: This method delivers the treatment directly into your bloodstream through a needle in your arm.
- Pills: Some immunotherapies are taken as pills that you swallow.
- Topical Creams: For some skin cancers, immunotherapy comes as a cream that you apply to the skin.
Your doctor will choose the best way to give you immunotherapy based on your cancer type and your needs.
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
During treatment, you will receive immunotherapy at our clinic. Your healthcare team will monitor you to make sure the treatment is working and help manage any side effects. Each session can last from 30 minutes to a few hours. The number of treatments depends on your specific needs.
Why Choose New England Cancer Specialists?
At New England Cancer Specialists, we are dedicated to providing the best care possible. Our team of experts is here to support you every step of the way. We use the latest research and technology to create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
If you have questions about immunotherapy or would like to learn more, please reach out to us. We are here to help you understand your options and provide the care you need. Together, we can fight cancer with the power of your immune system.
