🔹 What Is Immunotherapy?
Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy boosts your immune system so it can recognize and attack cancer more effectively.
🔹 How Does It Work?
Most commonly, immunotherapy involves drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors, which “release the brakes” on immune cells. This helps them target and destroy cancer cells.
Common drugs include:
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PD-1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab)
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PD-L1 inhibitors (atezolizumab, durvalumab)
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CTLA-4 inhibitors (ipilimumab)
🔹 Who Can Benefit?
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Patients with high PD-L1 expression may respond especially well.
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Immunotherapy can be given alone or in combination with chemotherapy, depending on test results and stage of cancer.
🔹 Benefits of Immunotherapy
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Can shrink tumors or slow cancer growth
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May provide longer-lasting responses compared to chemotherapy
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Often has fewer side effects
🔹 Possible Side Effects
While usually milder than chemotherapy, immunotherapy can cause the immune system to attack healthy organs. Side effects include:
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Fatigue
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Skin rash or itching
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Diarrhea
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Cough or shortness of breath
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Hormonal changes (thyroid, adrenal glands)
⚠️ Tip: Report any unusual symptoms early to your doctor, as most side effects can be managed if caught in time.