Cochise Oncology

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How Long Does Immunotherapy Take?

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments have been the mainstays of cancer treatment for many years. Immunotherapy is a game-changing treatment that uses your immune system to target cancer. There are many forms of immunotherapy that work in different ways. In general, seeing benefits from these treatments takes some time.

What is Immunotherapy?

Your immune system has natural cancer-fighting tools. Immunotherapy modifies these immune system tools to attack cancer cells. These treatments work in many ways, often by helping your immune system recognize and kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be used alone or combined with other treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy.

How Long Does Immunotherapy Take?

Immunotherapy needs time to change your immune system and make it better at fighting cancer. Most people will experience results after a few months, but the timeline varies widely. Once immunotherapy starts showing results, you may continue to receive treatment for several more weeks or months. Each person’s cancer responds differently to immunotherapy so some people will see results more quickly than others.

How Does Immunotherapy Treat Cancer?

Immunotherapy can use several different components of your immune system to treat cancer. Each one works against cancer in a unique way, and they must coordinate to achieve the best response. These include:

B cells that make antibodies that bind to cancer cells
CD8+ killer T cells that attack and kill cancer cells when activated
CD4+ helper T cells that make the immune system more effective
Cytokines that convey signals between immune cells to give orders
Macrophages that consume and destroy cancer cells
Dendritic cells help the immune system recognize cancer

These components of the immune system have the tools needed to fight cancer. Immunotherapy helps by using many different parts of your immune system, depending on which ones are most effective against a specific type of cancer. Cancer cells can develop ways to dodge your immune system, but immunotherapy gives your body the power to fight back.

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What are the Side Effects of Immunotherapy?

Side effects of immunotherapy vary depending on the type of treatment. The most common symptoms of illnesses like influenza result from the immune system’s reaction to the virus, so immunotherapy symptoms are often similar to a viral infection, including:

Fatigue
Muscle aches
Headache
Rashes
Muscle weakness
Nausea

These side effects are typically, but not always, milder than those from chemotherapy. While chemotherapy attacks all rapidly dividing cells, immunotherapy uses your immune system’s natural cancer-targeting abilities.

Am I a Good Candidate for Immunotherapy?

Whether you are a good candidate for immunotherapy depends on several factors. These include the type of cancer and the health of your immune system. People with immune system disorders may not be candidates for some types of immunotherapy. Only your Cochise Oncology team can determine if immunotherapy is a good option for you.

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.