Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps to prepare the natural defense mechanism of the body so that it can fight against disease, particularly cancer in any part of the body. There are different types of immunotherapy but each type works to strengthen the immunity of the patient. Immunotherapy can be used in combination with other types of treatment to treat aggressive cancers. Immunotherapy shows great recovery in some patients and also improves the life quality of patients. It can be used to treat different types of cancers that occur in the body and it is also useful to treat cancer that spreads to other parts from the area of origin. Immunotherapy also has many risk factors that can affect the activities of daily living. Immunotherapy medications also damage some healthy cells which can further complicate the situation of the patient. Immunotherapy may need other treatments to cure the disease completely but it can help the patient to live longer with the disease. Immunotherapy may not be suitable for every patient so this treatment is used according to the response of an individual patient.
Types of Immunotherapy for Cancer
Includes checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and monoclonal antibodies.
Types of Immunotherapy Treatment India
There are different types of immunotherapy and each type is used according to the situation and suitability of the patient. These may include:
- Checkpoint Inhibitors
- Monoclonal Antibodies
- Cancer Vaccines
- Adoptive Cell Therapy
- Cytokines
- Oncolytic Virus Therapy
- Immune Checkpoint Proteins
Checkpoint Inhibitors
In this type of immunotherapy, some medications are used to block some proteins in the immune system that prevent it from attacking cancer cells and destroying them.
Monoclonal Antibodies
These medications involve the use of some special proteins or antibodies that increase the immunity of patients to fight against cancer cells that form in the tumors.
Cancer Vaccines
These medicines help to target specific cancer cells and decrease the chances of damage to healthy cells and tissues in their surroundings.
Adoptive Cell Therapy
In this type of immunotherapy, some specific types of cells are removed from the patient. Then these cells are modified and infused back into the body of the patient which can target cancer cells.
Cytokines
Cytokines are specific substances that can boost the response of the immune system so that it can fight to kill cancer cells.
Oncolytic Virus Therapy
In this type, certain viruses are modified to infect and kill cancer cells. This treatment can be used for some specific types of cancer that occur in the body.
Immune Checkpoint Proteins
These medicines specifically target the cancer cells formed in the body and reduce the damage to healthy cells in the surroundings.
Procedure of Immunotherapy Treatment
The general overview of the procedure of immunotherapy treatment is given below:
- Patient Evaluation: The overall health of the patient, history of disease, and any pre-existing medical conditions are evaluated by the doctor to assess the suitability of each patient for immunotherapy.
- Treatment Plan: The oncologist will plan treatment according to individual patients which may include immunotherapy or the combination of different other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
- Selection of Immunotherapy: The specific type of immunotherapy is chosen according to the type of cancer and other factors related to the patient.
- Administration of Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is typically administered in any of the following methods and it depends on the type of immunotherapy:
- Intravenous (IV) Infusion: Some immunotherapies are given as intravenous infusions, where the drug is delivered directly into a vein.
- Subcutaneous Injections: Some immunotherapy drugs can be given as subcutaneous injections, which are administered just under the skin.
- Oral Medications: In some cases, immunotherapy drugs are available in pill form and can be taken orally.
- Treatment Schedule: The treatment sessions can vary according to the specific type of immunotherapy and the type of cancer. Some patients receive immunotherapy in intervals while others may receive it continuously.
- Management of Side Effects: Patients may experience side effects from immunotherapy and it may range from mild to severe complications. Some additional treatments and strategies are used to manage these side effects and complications.
Cost of Immunotherapy Treatment in India
The cost of Immunotherapy treatment in India ranges from 2100 USD to 3000 USD. The cost can vary according to the type of immunotherapy used in the treatment. The cost can also vary according to the need for additional treatments with immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy Treatment 2131 USD 2822 USD
Indications of Immunotherapy Treatment
Some of the conditions in which immunotherapy treatment can be used are listed below:
- Melanoma
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Liver Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Brain Tumors
- Multiple Myeloma
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Mesothelioma
Risk Factors of Immunotherapy Treatment
Some of the risks and side effects of the immunotherapy treatment may include:
These are side effects that occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues. Common side effects may include skin rash, diarrhea, infection, and swelling.
Autoimmune Conditions
Patients who have some disease that affects their immunity of patients can increase the risk of adverse effects and complications related to treatment.
Organ Dysfunction
Patients with pre-existing medical conditions like kidney disease or liver disease are at risk of organ damage due to aggressive treatments like immunotherapy.
Age
People with old age can have some serious side effects due to immunotherapy.
Previous Treatments
Patients who have received other cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy may have an increased risk of certain side effects when combining these treatments with immunotherapy.
Medication Interactions
Some medications that a patient is taking along with immunotherapy may interact with each other and increase the risk of adverse effects and complications.
Allergic Reactions
Some patients show allergic reactions in response to immunotherapy drugs. Patients who had allergic reactions to previous treatments are at greater risk. However, these reactions may not be present in every patient.
