What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a treatment method used in various diseases that utilizes the body's own immune system. Also known as biological therapy, immunotherapy aims to use the immune system as effectively as possible during the treatment process.
The immune system plays a role in recognizing and eliminating microorganisms or abnormal cells. Immunotherapy ensures that the natural defense system works effectively against diseases.
Today, it is especially used in cancer treatment alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In cancer patients, it supports the body's resistance and helps destroy cancer cells by boosting the immune system.
For Which Diseases is Immunotherapy Applied?
When a disease enters our body, the immune system detects these cells and fights to identify and destroy them. In some diseases, the immune system may not be sufficient, and immunotherapy is applied to support the immune system. Cancer is one of these diseases.
Under normal conditions, the immune system can detect and suppress the growth of cancer cells, but some cancer cells use various mechanisms to avoid detection. Immunotherapy helps the immune system become more active by fighting these mechanisms. An active immune system is crucial for recognizing and destroying cancer cells.
In cancer types or other diseases where the immune system is weakened or completely collapsed, immunotherapy is used as an effective treatment method. By strengthening the immune system with immunotherapy, an increase in the recovery period of patients is observed.
Methods of Immunotherapy Treatment
Different methods of immunotherapy are used. Today, there are many different types of cancer, and the methods of immunotherapy vary according to the specific type of cancer.
Different immunotherapy methods are developed by targeting the various mechanisms of cancer types.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Antibodies are also known as the combat cells of our immune system. Different cells entering our body are detected and attempted to be destroyed by antibodies.
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced antibodies that mimic those of the immune system and attack cancer cells. They bind to cancer cells and destroy them.
T-Cell Therapy
Another method of immunotherapy is T-cell therapy. T-cells are a subtype of white blood cells, also known as leukocytes. In T-cell therapy, T-cells are collected from the patient and specially modified in the laboratory.
Structures that recognize cancer cells are added to the T-cells. The modified T-cells are then reintroduced into the patient's body, where they recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Oncolytic Therapy
In oncolytic immunotherapy, viruses are used to kill cancer cells. The goal of oncolytic therapy is to enable the immune system to launch precise and effective attacks against cancer cells. This method can prevent the growth and spread of cancerous cells.
How is Immunotherapy Applied?
Immunotherapy is administered to patients intravenously. No serious complications occur during the application. It is especially preferred as a supplementary treatment for cancer. The dose and timing of the application vary according to the patient's disease and condition. As the immune system is activated, it may cause issues in organs like the intestines, liver, or kidneys in some patients.
Although immunotherapy is usually administered intravenously, there are other methods as well. In some patients, immunotherapy drugs are applied directly to the bladder. Immunotherapy drugs can also be taken orally as pills or capsules. In skin diseases like skin cancer, immunotherapy drugs can be used as creams.
Side Effects of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, which causes changes in the immune system, may lead to side effects in some patients. Side effects can vary depending on the drugs used, the patient's condition, and the treatment method. Some side effects of immunotherapy include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Skin redness
- Rash
- Itching
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Jaundice
- Headache
- Weakness
- Loss of balance
