Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment method that helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. The immune system is made up of cells and molecules that normally fight infections in the body. Immunotherapy is designed to increase the strength of the body’s natural immune system to destroy cancer cells or to facilitate the recognition of cancer cells by the immune system.
This method of treatment inhibits the growth of cancer cells by stimulating or suppressing the immune response. Immunotherapy can be administered in different ways, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Some immunotherapy drugs kill cancer cells by targeting them directly, while others produce proteins that make it easier for immune system cells to attack cancer cells.
The side effects of immunotherapy can be similar to other cancer treatments, but some immunotherapy drugs can cause different side effects, particularly immune system responses (eg fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea). Immunotherapy may be more effective than other treatments for some types of cancer and may be used in conjunction with other treatments in some cases. Treatment may vary depending on the patient’s general health, the type and stage of cancer, the way treatment is administered, and other factors.
