When someone is diagnosed with cancer, many people assume chemotherapy is the only treatment option. However, as medical science advances, various therapeutic methods are now available that can be tailored to the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer. One such method is immunotherapy , a therapy that utilizes the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.
Immunotherapy is not a substitute for chemotherapy for all patients. In certain circumstances, it may be given as the primary treatment, in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or targeted therapy. The choice depends on the results of the examination and the assessment of a medical oncologist.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Before undergoing immunotherapy, patients will go through several stages so that the doctor can determine whether this therapy is the right choice.
1. Consultation and Diagnosis
The doctor will conduct an interview regarding complaints, medical history, and review the results of examinations such as biopsies, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, pathology, immunohistochemistry or other supporting examinations to determine the type and stage of cancer.
2. Evaluation of Feasibility of Immunotherapy
Not all cancer types respond equally to immunotherapy. Therefore, doctors will assess various factors, such as the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and in some cases, perform specific biomarker tests to determine the potential benefit of immunotherapy.
3. Therapy Planning
If the patient meets the criteria, the doctor will determine the type of immunotherapy, the schedule of administration, and whether the therapy will be given alone or in combination with other treatments.
4. Administration of Immunotherapy
Most immunotherapy is administered intravenously in a hospital. The duration of each session can vary, and therapy is usually administered periodically according to a treatment protocol.
5. Monitoring Response and Side Effects
During therapy, patients will be monitored regularly through physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. The goal is to assess the cancer's response to treatment and detect potential side effects early so they can be addressed promptly.
Who Can Undergo Immunotherapy?
This therapy is generally considered in several types of cancer that have been shown to respond well to immunotherapy, including:
- Lung cancer.
- Liver cancer.
- Bile duct cancer.
- Kidney cancer.
- Bladder cancer.
- Head and neck cancer.
- Certain cervical cancers.
- Gastric cancer and esophageal cancer.
- Certain types of breast cancer.
- Colon cancer with certain genetic characteristics.
- Several types of lymphoma.
- Melanoma (skin cancer).
- Various other types of cancer.
It's important to note that even if you have the same type of cancer, the treatment may not be the same. Treatment decisions will be made based on a thorough evaluation by a medical oncologist.
Why is Immunotherapy a Treatment Option?
Unlike chemotherapy, which works by attacking cancer cells directly, immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells that previously evaded immune system surveillance.
In appropriate cancer types, this therapy can be a modern treatment option that offers benefits in fighting the disease. However, like other therapies, immunotherapy has indications, benefits, and risks that need to be considered individually.
Consult Immunotherapy Suitable for Your Condition
Every cancer patient's condition is unique, so treatment must be tailored to the type of cancer, stage of the disease, and overall health. If you or a family member are wondering if immunotherapy might be a treatment option, don't hesitate to consult a medical oncologist. Through a thorough evaluation, your doctor will help determine the most appropriate therapy to ensure optimal cancer management.
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).