Understanding Immunotherapy: A New Hope In Cancer Treatment
Dr. Rahul Kulkarni, a cancer specialist at Sahyadri Hospital, Pune, has been working in the field of chemotherapy for the past four years. In previous discussions, he has extensively covered cancer and chemotherapy. In this session, he addresses a relatively new treatment method known as immunotherapy.
To explain immunotherapy, he shares a recent case. A few weeks ago, a patient diagnosed with breast cancer approached him. After evaluating the case, he explained that the patient’s cancer was at stage two or three, meaning it could be effectively treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, the patient expressed fear of these treatments and insisted on receiving only immunotherapy.
Dr. Kulkarni emphasizes that while immunotherapy is a significant advancement, it cannot entirely replace traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Many patients, influenced by online sources, develop misconceptions about immunotherapy. Even some doctors lack complete knowledge about it. Therefore, he aims to clarify how immunotherapy works in cancer treatment.
What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a new approach that enhances the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. The immune system naturally destroys harmful cells using T-cells, which act like the body’s police, identifying and eliminating infections or abnormal cells. However, cancer cells develop mechanisms to evade immune attacks. They achieve this by using specific receptors like PD-1 or PD-L1, which interact with T-cells and deactivate them. As a result, the immune system fails to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
After years of research, scientists developed immunotherapy drugs that block this interaction, allowing T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. This approach is known as cancer-specific immunotherapy, as it trains the immune system to target cancer cells effectively. In recognition of their groundbreaking work, scientists Dr. James Allison and Dr. Tasuku Honjo were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2018.
Difference Between Immunotherapy And Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves administering chemical drugs via saline drips or oral tablets to directly kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, stimulates the immune system to fight cancer cells rather than attacking them directly. It is not merely a supplement or a general immune booster. Unfortunately, many non-scientific products are being sold under the name of immunotherapy, misleading patients. It is crucial to seek proper medical guidance before choosing a treatment.
Which Cancers Can Be Treated With Immunotherapy?
Currently, immunotherapy is used in various cancers, but it requires specific molecular tests, such as PD-L1 and MSI testing, to determine its effectiveness for a patient. The most promising results have been seen in lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, certain skin cancers, blood cancers, and oral cancers. In these cases, immunotherapy has shown significant advantages over chemotherapy.
Additionally, immunotherapy is being explored for advanced-stage cancers where traditional treatments have limited success. However, its use must be carefully selected based on the patient’s specific condition.
Is Immunotherapy Better Than Chemotherapy?
Whether immunotherapy is better than chemotherapy depends entirely on the type and stage of cancer. Factors such as genetic mutations, PD-L1 testing, and MSI reports determine the best course of treatment. While immunotherapy is increasingly used for stage four cancers and some stage three cases, it is not a substitute for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation in early-stage cancers.
For certain cancers, such as stage four lung cancer, immunotherapy has proven to be more effective than chemotherapy and is sometimes used as a first-line treatment. However, proper molecular testing is required to determine if a patient will benefit from it.
Can Immunotherapy Cure Advanced-Stage Cancer?
Stage four or advanced-stage cancers are generally not considered curable. However, immunotherapy can significantly prolong survival and improve quality of life. In some cases, even after stopping immunotherapy, the immune response continues to work against cancer cells, offering long-term benefits.
Furthermore, some studies indicate that immunotherapy may improve cure rates in early-stage Cancers. However, Careful Patient Selection Is Essential To Achieve The Best Outcomes.
Side Effects Of Immunotherapy
Like any medical treatment, immunotherapy has its own set of side effects. However, unlike chemotherapy, it does not commonly cause hair loss, nausea, diarrhea, or severe body pain. Since it modifies the immune system, its side effects are different and need careful monitoring.
Conclusion
Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment, offering hope to many patients. However, it is not a universal replacement for chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Proper diagnosis, molecular testing, and expert medical advice are crucial in determining whether immunotherapy is the right option for a patient. Patients should always consult an oncologist before making treatment decisions and avoid misleading information regarding alternative treatments.
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