Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Treatment for lung cancer continues to evolve, including the advent of immunotherapy as a modern treatment method.
Immunotherapy is currently gaining attention in the medical world because it works by helping the immune system fight cancer cells. This therapy offers new hope for cancer patients, especially those with conditions that meet medical indications.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a treatment method that utilizes the body's immune system to treat and fight cancer cells.
Under normal conditions, the immune system is capable of detecting abnormal cells. However, cancer cells have the ability to "hide" themselves, making them unrecognizable by the immune system. Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system attack these cancer cells.
How Does Immunotherapy Work in Lung Cancer?
In lung cancer, some types of immunotherapy work by:
- Blocking the protection that cancer cells use to evade the immune system
- Helps immune cells work more actively
- Increase the body's immune system's ability to fight the growth of cancer cells
Because it works differently from chemotherapy, immunotherapy is one of the main treatment options for several types of lung cancer.
Who Can Undergo Immunotherapy?
Not all lung cancer patients are suitable for immunotherapy. Doctors will determine therapy based on:
- Types of lung cancer
- Cancer stage
- Patient's health condition
- Certain examination results
- Response to previous treatment
Therefore, examination and consultation and checking with a doctor are very important in determining the appropriate type of therapy.
Differences between Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy works by attacking cancer cells directly, while immunotherapy helps the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.
Because they work differently, doctors can use immunotherapy or combine them according to the patient's condition.
Advantages of Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer
In appropriate cancer types, immunotherapy may have the following advantages:
- relatively higher effectiveness compared to chemotherapy
- milder side effects compared to chemotherapy
- improve the quality of life of patients
Does Immunotherapy Have Side Effects?
Like other treatments, immunotherapy can cause side effects, but these are relatively mild compared to chemotherapy.
Some side effects that may occur include:
- Easily tired
- Nauseous
- Fever
- Cough
- Skin rash
- Muscle or joint pain
- Diarrhea
In certain conditions, immunotherapy can also cause the immune system to attack normal body tissue, requiring regular supervision by a medical oncologist.
The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
The sooner lung cancer is detected, the greater the chance of recovery. Therefore, it's important to be aware of symptoms such as:
- Persistent cough
- Hard to breathe
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
If you experience these complaints, immediately consult a doctor for further evaluation.
Conclusion
Immunotherapy is a modern treatment method that helps the immune system fight lung cancer cells. Working differently from chemotherapy, this therapy is a treatment option for some lung cancer patients, depending on their individual medical conditions.
Despite its many benefits, immunotherapy requires supervision by a medical oncologist to ensure optimal and safe treatment 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).