Cochise Oncology

Share This Post

Who Qualifies for Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is the newest and fastest-developing form of cancer treatment. It can target cancer cells while often avoiding the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, and it can be used to treat some cancers that have not responded to other treatments. Only testing can determine whether a particular type of cancer will respond to immunotherapy.

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy uses your immune system to attack cancer at any stage. Immunotherapy uses strategies such as helping the immune system recognize and target cancer cells. It works well alone or with other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. At Cochise Oncology, we specialize in the most scientifically advanced immunotherapy treatments to help you fight your cancer.

Who Qualifies for Immunotherapy?

Only a full assessment and laboratory testing will determine whether you are a good candidate for immunotherapy. Not all types of cancer respond well to this treatment, and lab tests will help determine which type of immunotherapy to use for targeting your cancer. Immunotherapy is a very broad field, and many people qualify for treatment. The FDA has approved over 60 types of immunotherapy drugs.

How Does Immunotherapy Work?

Immunotherapy includes a wide range of different treatments that work with the immune system to target cancer. Some of the most common types of immunotherapy include:

Targeted Antibodies

Immune system cells make antibodies that target harmful invaders. Immunotherapy uses antibodies that will specifically target cancer cells. These antibodies can attack the cells or draw the immune system’s attention to eliminate them.

T-Cell Therapy

T-cells play a vital role in the immune system. This immunotherapy extracts your T-cells, modifies them to make them better cancer fighters, and returns them to your body.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Your immune system has natural “on and off” switches telling it when to respond. Cancer cells can switch the checkpoint off to avoid an immune reaction, but this treatment lets the immune system target them.

Cancer Vaccines

You may think of vaccines as prevention, but cancer vaccines are a treatment that primes the immune system to launch a more effective attack on cancer cells.

Immunomodulators

These treatments work in various ways by changing how the immune system behaves, what signaling molecules it sends out, and how it responds to cancer cells.

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.

How Effective is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is often used with radiation or chemotherapy, which can significantly boost the results of these treatments. Immunotherapy response rates range from 20% to 50%, depending on the type of cancer. Results continue to improve with each research advancement. As one of the most active areas of cancer research, immunotherapy brings new and better treatments each year.

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.