Every year, tens of thousands of Americans face the challenging diagnosis of lung cancer. While treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been the standard, medical advancements have introduced promising approaches to improve outcomes and quality of life. One approach that is changing the course of lung cancer treatment is immunotherapy.
This blog will help you understand how immunotherapy works, its benefits, and its role in lung cancer treatment.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. Normally, the immune system detects and destroys harmful invaders in the body.
However, cancer cells are tricky and often hide from the immune system. Immunotherapy gives your immune system the tools it needs to recognize and attack these hidden cancer cells.
Unlike chemotherapy or radiation, which target cancer cells directly, immunotherapy works by activating the body’s natural defenses against the disease.
Types of Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer doctors use several types of immunotherapy to treat lung cancer. The selected treatment depends on the particular type and stage of lung cancer. Below are the main types of immunotherapy used today:
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Cancer cells can trick the immune system into thinking they are normal, effectively “turning off” the immune response. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or nivolumab (Opdivo), help “unblock” your immune system so it can recognize and fight cancer cells.
Immune System Modulators
Drugs help kickstart parts of the immune system to increase the overall immune response to cancer.
Cancer Vaccines
These therapies train the immune system to attack cancer cells by exposing it to proteins specific to lung cancer.
Monoclonal Antibodies
These lab-made proteins act as a signal to direct the immune system to specific cancer cells for destruction.
Benefits of Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer Patients
Immunotherapy offers unique benefits compared to traditional lung cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy:
Targeted Action
Unlike treatments that attack healthy and cancerous cells, immunotherapy attacks only cancer cells, reducing side effects.
Improves Survival Rates
Studies show that patients receiving immunotherapy have better long-term outcomes in certain types of lung cancer.
Fewer Side Effects
Immunotherapy side effects, such as fatigue or skin reactions, are generally less harsh compared to chemotherapy.
Compatibility with Other Treatments
Immunotherapy can also be combined with radiation or chemotherapy to improve results.
For some patients, these benefits lead to longer lives and better overall well-being.
What to Expect During Immunotherapy
Before starting immunotherapy, your doctor will carry out tests to confirm if this treatment is suitable for you. Not all patients are candidates. Factors such as cancer type, stage, and overall health will be considered.
During treatment, immunotherapy drugs are often given as an infusion through a vein. The process might take around 30 minutes to a few hours. The frequency of sessions will depend on the specific drug you are receiving and how your body responds.
Side effects can occur, though they are less common than those associated with chemotherapy. Some patients might experience:
- Skin rashes or itchiness
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever or fatigue
- Joint pain
- Changes in bowel movements
Be sure to communicate any side effects to your doctor immediately. These can often be managed with medications or adjustments in treatment.
Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy has shown promising results in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the most common type of lung cancer. It is not as effective for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) yet, although research is ongoing.
Patients whose tumors have specific biomarkers (like PD-L1) may respond more favorably to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Lung cancer doctors generally test for these biomarkers before deciding on a treatment plan.
If you or someone you know is not sure whether immunotherapy is an option, consult with a qualified lung cancer doctor. Specialists can guide you through options that are best suited for your condition.
Lung Cancer Treatment in Austin, TX
Lung cancer treatment is a challenging journey, but you do not have to face it alone. Immunotherapy, along with other advanced treatment options, is a testament to the progress being made.
By working closely with experienced lung cancer doctors, patients can access cutting-edge care that not only fights cancer but also preserves their quality of life.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with lung cancer, consider reaching out to Austin Pulmonary. Our team of compassionate, board-certified pulmonologists is dedicated to providing personalized treatments tailored to patients’ unique needs. Whether you are exploring immunotherapy or other lung cancer treatment options, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
To learn more about how we can help, call Austin Pulmonary’s office near you or schedule an appointment by filling out our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9693746/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746608/
