Immunotherapy is a treatment method that utilizes the body's immune system to fight diseases, particularly cancer. It works by boosting the body's natural defenses or by using substances made by the body or in a laboratory to improve or restore immune system function. Here's an overview of how it's applied.
Symptoms vary depending on the specific condition being treated. In the case of cancer, symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent cough or difficulty breathing, and unusual bleeding or bruising.
Once a patient is diagnosed and deemed suitable for immunotherapy, the treatment plan may involve:
Selection of Immunotherapy Drug: There are various types of immunotherapy drugs, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and monoclonal antibodies. The specific drug chosen depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual patient factors.
Administration: Immunotherapy drugs can be administered through intravenous infusion, injection, or orally, depending on the specific drug and treatment protocol.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring of the patient's response to treatment is crucial. This may involve imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, blood tests, and physical examinations.
Combination Therapy: In some cases, immunotherapy may be combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy to enhance its effectiveness.
Management of Side Effects: While immunotherapy tends to have fewer side effects than traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, it can still cause immune-related side effects such as fatigue, skin rash, diarrhea, and inflammation of the lungs or other organs. These side effects are typically managed with medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
Continued Follow-Up: Even after completing immunotherapy treatment, patients typically require long-term follow-up to monitor for any recurrence of cancer or late-onset side effects.
Diagnosing whether a patient is a candidate for immunotherapy involves several steps, including:
Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken from the suspected tumor or affected area and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
Genetic Testing: Some types of cancer, such as lung cancer or melanoma, may require genetic testing to identify specific mutations that can make the patient a candidate for certain immunotherapy drugs.
Biomarker Testing: This involves testing for specific proteins or genetic markers that indicate the potential effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs.
Overall Health Assessment: The patient's overall health and medical history are evaluated to ensure they can tolerate the potential side effects of immunotherapy.
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