Immunotherapy cancer - what is there to know about it?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that is being used more and more.
The development of many types of cancer is facilitated by the fact that some cancer cells can escape the control of our immune system, can deceive our immune mechanisms or can even become undetectable to our immune system. Cancer is an "intelligent" disease and is constantly trying to evade and escape the immune response as well as some cancer treatments.
While chemotherapy targets cancer cells directly, immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Why should you care about cancer immunotherapy?
Cancer immunotherapy is a field that plays an increasingly important role in modern oncology. The latest findings in cancer immunotherapy are presented annually at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) congresses. While cancer immunotherapy was only used for a few types of cancer several years ago, it is now an important part of therapy for many cancers, from skin cancer to breast cancer.
The 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Prof. James P. Allison of the United States and Tasuku Honjo of Japan. The laureates were recognized by the Nobel Committee for their contributions to the development of cancer immunotherapy. Their breakthroughs in cancer research have made it possible to develop highly effective drugs that activate our body's own defenses against cancer cells. ASCO named immunotherapies the greatest achievement in oncology in 2016 and 2018.
Immunotherapy for cancer - online second opinions via Global Second Opinion
The Global Second Opinion platform makes it possible to obtain online consultations for cancer immunotherapies from leading specialists, e.g. at Harvard-affiliated clinics and hospitals.
Cancer immunotherapy harnesses the power of the body's immune system to prevent, control and eliminate cancer. Cancer immunotherapy can be used for many different types of cancer and can offer the possibility of long-term cancer remission.
Conventional cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation have a direct effect not only on cancer cells but also on healthy tissue. This can lead to common side effects such as hair loss and nausea.
Immunotherapy does not cause the same side effects as chemotherapy and radiation. Possible side effects of immunotherapy include overstimulation of the immune system. Symptoms can range from mild inflammatory symptoms (e.g., fever) to severe symptoms.
Immunotherapies can be a valuable tool for many cancer patients. Discuss the pros and cons of this type of treatment with your doctor. Use Global Second Opinion to connect with international experts to find the best treatment plan for you!