Immunotherapy

Introduction

Immunotherapy is a ground-breaking approach to cancer treatment that harnesses the body's immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy and radiotherapy, immunotherapy boosts the immune system's natural defenses to fight the cancer cell.

Benefits

Durable Response: It can lead to long-lasting remissions by providing a sustained immune response against cancer.

Versatility: Effective against various types of cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and certain leukaemia and lymphomas.

Risks and Side Effects

Immune-Related Side Effects: Immunotherapy can cause inflammation in healthy tissues, leading to side effects like skin rash, fatigue, diarrhea, and liver inflammation.

Variable Response: Not all patients respond to immunotherapy, and its effectiveness can vary depending on the type of cancer and the individual.