Immunotherapy is a modern treatment method used to help the body fight cancer. Unlike conventional therapies that directly attack cancer cells, immunotherapy works by harnessing the immune system to recognize and fight abnormal cells more effectively.
In recent years, immunotherapy has become increasingly used because it is thought to help improve the body's response to certain types and conditions of cancer.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a treatment method that aims to strengthen or stimulate the body's immune system to fight disease, especially cancer.
The immune system is naturally capable of detecting and destroying abnormal cells. However, cancer cells can sometimes "hide," making them difficult for the immune system to recognize. Immunotherapy helps the body more easily recognize and attack these cancer cells.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Immunotherapy works in several ways, including:
- Helps the immune system recognize cancer cells
- Strengthens the immune response against abnormal cells
- Inhibits the ability of cancer cells to evade the immune system
In this way, the immune system can work more optimally in helping fight the development of cancer.
Types of Immunotherapy
There are several types of immunotherapy commonly used in the medical world, including:
1. Checkpoint Inhibitor
This therapy helps the immune system to more easily attack cancer cells by inhibiting the “protective barrier” that cancer cells use to avoid immune attacks.
2. Monoclonal Antibodies
Using artificial antibodies specifically designed to recognize and attach to cancer cells.
3. Immune Cell Therapy
This method is carried out by modifying the patient's immune cells to make them stronger in fighting cancer.
4. Cancer Vaccine
Certain vaccines are used to help the immune system better recognize cancer cells.
Cancers That Can Be Treated with Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy can be used for several types of cancer, such as:
- Lung cancer
- Skin cancer (melanoma)
- Kidney cancer
- Certain blood cancers
- Certain breast cancers
- And several other types of cancer
However, not all cancer patients are suitable for immunotherapy. Doctors will determine the appropriate therapy based on the type of cancer and the patient's condition.
Advantages of Immunotherapy
In some patients, immunotherapy may provide benefits such as:
- Helps slow the development of cancer
- Help improve the quality of life of patients
- Works more specifically against abnormal cells
- Provides long-term response to certain conditions
Does Immunotherapy Have Side Effects?
Like any other treatment, immunotherapy can cause side effects. However, these side effects can vary from patient to patient.
Some side effects that may occur include:
- Easily tired
- Fever
- Nauseous
- Skin rash
- Muscle or joint pain
In some conditions, immunotherapy can also cause an overreaction of the immune system, so regular medical supervision is necessary.
The Importance of Consulting a Doctor
The choice of cancer therapy must be tailored to each patient's individual condition. Therefore, examination and consultation with a doctor are crucial to determine whether immunotherapy is the right choice.
The doctor will consider:
- Types of cancer
- Cancer stage
- Patient's health condition
- The body's response to previous treatment
Conclusion
Immunotherapy is a modern treatment method that helps the immune system fight cancer. By harnessing the immune system's natural abilities, this therapy is an option for treating several types of cancer.
Despite its various benefits, immunotherapy still needs to be carried out according to a doctor's recommendations and supervision so that the treatment results are more optimal and safe for the patient.
Article written by Dr. Ryan Ardian Saputra, Sp.PD, Subsp. H.Onk.M (K) (Internal Medicine Specialist - Medical Hemato Oncology Consultant at EMC Alam Sutera & Tangerang Hospital).