Cochise Oncology

Share This Post

How is Immunotherapy Administered?

Your immune system protects you from outside invaders, but it also helps protect you from cancer. Immunotherapy helps your immune system target cancer cells and disrupt their functions. This rapidly growing field of cancer treatment works for many types of cancer and can significantly improve your treatment results.

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a general term for treatments that harness the immune system to target cancer cells. Cancer cells often have genetic changes that let them avoid being destroyed by the immune system. Immunotherapy lets the immune system identify and attack these cancer cells.

These treatments work in many different ways, and they often have fewer side effects than chemotherapy or radiation. Immunotherapy can target cancer cells more precisely than chemotherapy, so it causes less stress to healthy cells.

How is Immunotherapy Administered?

Since immunotherapy works in many different ways, your doctor has several options for administering it. The three most common ways of administering immunotherapy are:

Into your vein (IV)
Oral
On your skin

Each type of immunotherapy has an administration schedule. You may receive treatment daily, weekly, or monthly. The method of administration depends on the treatment and type of cancer. Some treatments must be delivered via an IV, while others can be taken orally for greater convenience. Your doctor at Cochise Oncology will explain how your immunotherapy will be administered and how often you will have treatment.

How Does Immunotherapy Work?

Immunotherapy works by helping the immune system recognize, identify, and attack cancer cells. The immune system naturally finds and eliminates damaged cells, but cancer cells develop the ability to avoid being targeted. Immunotherapy can work in many ways, including:

Using antibodies that attach to cancer cells and draw the immune system’s attention
Modifying T cells to make them more active against cancer cells
Enhancing overall immune system activity
Using a treatment vaccine to teach the immune system to see cancer cells
Letting the immune system works more strongly against cancer cells

Tests, including genetic testing, will identify potential weaknesses in cancer cells. Your doctor will design a treatment plan based on these results. Your plan might include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or any combination.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Simply fill out the form on this page to request an appointment and one of our knowledgable team members will reach out to you. Or call our Sierra Vista oncology center to schedule directly at (520) 803-6644.

What are the Side Effects of Immunotherapy?

Side effects of immunotherapy vary by treatment. You might notice that some of the side effects sound like having the flu. Most flu symptoms are actually your immune system’s reaction to the virus. Most immunotherapy side effects result when your immune system is stimulated. They include:

Fever
Rashes
Headache
Nausea
Feeling lightheaded
High or low blood pressure
Fatigue

Am I a Good Candidate for Immunotherapy?

Only testing can determine whether you are a good candidate for immunotherapy. Not all cancer types respond to this treatment, and not everyone can receive it. If your cancer has not responded to chemotherapy or radiation alone, immunotherapy may be an excellent alternative.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

At Cochise Oncology, we know optimal cancer treatment places the patient first – and our patients experience this every day. Read what our satisfied patients are saying about their experiences at Cochise Oncology.

From the time I walked in the door, I was treated with care and compassion. The gals up front knew my name from the second day on. Everyone I came in contact with was super! I saw a smiling, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable face from the time I walked in, to the time I walked out. When I asked a question - I got an answer. I was scared. I was anxious. They handled me with grace and that isn't easy. I saw the staff for one reason or another for 30 days straight. I never saw grumpy, angry or an unkind face. I'm getting ready to start the rest of my treatment. I go to my appointments knowing I'm in good - no great hands!

The ladies that work the front desk are very nice and go above and beyond. My Father is a Veteran had some issues navigating the VA system. They called Antonio on his cellphone who is their PR person and a Vet himself he walked my Father through the process in terms a old soldier would understand which my Father really appreciated. Everything got approved for his treatments and he has a new friend to meet up with at the VFW!!! Having them go that extra step made all the difference. THANK YOU COCHISE ONCOLOGY!!!

Fantastic staff! Receptionists are very professional. They are knowledgeable as to my copay amount and always provide me with a receipt. Very friendly! Dr. Klarnett is extremely friendly, very compassionate and providing me with solutions to my problem. Casey the insurance verification clerk is outstanding in regards to prior authorization. Explains in detail what is involved in your treatment plan, co-pays, and penalty if you do not show up for treatment. It's good to know your out of pocket charge if you don't follow her instructions. Meagan is super nurse! Always so friendly. Always a smile on her face while she is multitasking in between patients. Very compassionate, personal, and a joy to talk to. Overall I like coming here for my labs and care.