Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer more effectively. Unlike chemotherapy, which targets all rapidly growing cells, immunotherapy trains your immune cells to recognise and destroy cancer cells. This treatment is particularly promising for blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Understanding how immunotherapy works is the first step toward making informed decisions in cancer treatment.
Types of Immunotherapy Used in Blood Cancer Treatment
There are many types of immunotherapy used in treating blood cancers, depending on the specific condition and the patient’s health. The most common forms include:
- CAR T-cell therapy: modifies a patient’s own T-cells to target cancer.
- Monoclonal antibodies: lab-made proteins that attach to cancer cells.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors: help immune cells stay active in attacking cancer.
Each of these therapies plays a different role in targeting and eliminating abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow.
How Immunotherapy is Different From Traditional Cancer Treatments
Traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation target cancer broadly, often affecting healthy tissues. In contrast, immunotherapy is more precise. It boosts or modifies your immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells without harming most healthy cells. This method not only reduces the side effects typically seen with conventional therapies but also may offer longer-lasting protection against cancer recurrence.
Which Blood Cancers Respond Well to Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy has shown strong results in treating certain types of blood cancers, especially when other treatments haven’t worked. Conditions that often respond well include:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
Response rates can vary, and not all patients are eligible, but for those who are, immunotherapy can offer hope and new treatment options. Ongoing research continues to expand its application across other types of hematologic cancers as well.
Benefits and Limitations of Immunotherapy in Blood Cancer Care
Immunotherapy has several potential benefits, including fewer long-term side effects and improved targeting of cancer cells. It can also provide an option for patients who have relapsed or become resistant to chemotherapy. But it does have its challenges. Some patients may not respond to treatment, and others may experience immune-related side effects.
Common Side Effects Patients Should Be Aware of
While immunotherapy is often better tolerated than chemotherapy, side effects can still occur. These may include:
- Fatigue and fever
- Skin rashes or inflammation
- Autoimmune responses (e.g., colitis, thyroiditis)
These reactions are typically manageable, but it’s important to monitor symptoms and report them early. The immune system’s increased activity can sometimes target healthy tissue, hence regular check-ups with your doctor are needed.
Combining Immunotherapy With Chemotherapy or Targeted Therapies
In many treatment plans, immunotherapy is used alongside chemotherapy or targeted treatments to improve outcomes. This combination approach may help kill more cancer cells or reduce the likelihood of relapse. For example, monoclonal antibodies are often used in conjunction with traditional chemotherapy in lymphoma treatment. Your oncologist will consider factors such as disease type, stage, and overall health to make a treatment strategy that combines whichever therapies will work the most effectively.
Personalized Treatment
One of the new aspects of immunotherapy is its adaptability. As medicine continues to advance, oncologists are moving toward more personalized treatment regimens. Genetic profiling and immune system analysis allow doctors to design therapies that suit a patient’s unique biology. This precision reduces unnecessary treatments and increases success rates.
Delhi has become a major destination for advanced oncology care, getting patients from across the country. Its hospitals are equipped with modern technology, experienced specialists, and effective support services. If you’re looking for options, exploring your treatment at a blood cancer hospital in Delhi can offer you advanced and well-rounded support specific to your needs.
What to Expect During an Immunotherapy Session
An immunotherapy session might look different depending on the type of therapy used. For example, CAR T-cell therapy involves collecting your T-cells, modifying them in a lab, and infusing them back into your bloodstream. Other therapies, like monoclonal antibodies, are administered via IV and can take several hours. You will be monitored closely during and after treatment for any immediate side effects. Unlike traditional chemo, there’s often less downtime between sessions, making recovery more manageable.
