When cancer strikes, the body’s immune system naturally wants to attack the cancer cells. Unfortunately, cancer cells can grow at a quicker rate than antibodies. Immunotherapy is a process that can help boost your body’s chances of fighting back against cancer cells while also preparing it for other cancer treatments.
Cancer immunotherapy has become an increasingly popular choice of treatment due to its minimally-invasive attributes.
Cancer immunotherapy often referred to as immuno-oncology, is a treatment that aims to help the body prevent, control, and eradicate cancer by giving the immune system a much-needed boost before or during cancer treatments.
Immunotherapy achieves this by either stimulating the body’s natural defense systems until they work harder or by producing substances that mimic the natural immune system to support it.
Immunotherapy isn’t only used to support the body’s defense against cancer. It additionally enhances the body’s ability to fight other bacterial infections, including minor illnesses that we all face in day-to-day life. As far as cancer immunotherapy is concerned, new treatments are continually found. Cochise Oncology is at the heart of embracing the latest developments.
Cancer immunotherapy is most successful in battling bladder cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, and throat cancer.
Cancer immunotherapy focuses largely on the concept of helping the body detect and destroy cancer cells by boosting the ability to recognize them as well as the rate of response. One key factor is the use of antibodies, which bind to antigens of cancerous cells. However, immunotherapy incorporates various additional elements, such as:
Cancer immunotherapy can be administered via medications, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines.
Prior to undergoing any form of cancer immunotherapy, it’s important to discuss the situation with your doctor because autoimmune disease, pregnancy, and a range of other factors can impact the treatment. A full medical history should also be disclosed.
Depending on the type of immunotherapy, you may be required to stay over. While our spa-like facilities are very accommodating, you’ll want to bring comfortable clothes and items to keep you entertained. Arranging your travel is important too, particularly for the post-treatment journey home.
The time taken to administer treatments will depend on a range of contributing factors, such as whether it’s a prevention or cancer treatment, as well as the type of immunotherapy in question. In many cases, the processes are very quick. However, patients need to complete several cycles, each of which requires 2-3 weeks, including the rest periods.
Cancer immunotherapy effects can potentially last a lifetime because they aim to boost the body’s natural defense systems. Nonetheless, they are at their strongest during the course of the treatment and directly following its completion.
Immunotherapy does have side effects, although most are short-lived. Still, you may feel fatigued or physically weak, short of breath, and confused. Other side effects include headaches, loss of appetite, skin rashes, diarrhea, chest pains, and muscle pains.
*Individual Results May Vary
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.
Fill out the form below to request an appointment at our state-of-the-art oncology center in Sierra Vista, AZ.
© Copyright 2023 Cochise Oncology | Website Design by ADvance Media
