Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment – Advancements and Services at Chavan Hospitals
Cancer treatment has evolved significantly over the years, with immunotherapy emerging as a groundbreaking approach that harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy strengthens the immune system to recognize and destroy cancerous cells naturally.
At Chavan Hospitals, the Best Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad, we specialize in advanced immunotherapy treatments, offering personalized cancer care with cutting-edge technology and expert oncologists. This comprehensive guide explores the mechanism, benefits, side effects, and services available for immunotherapy at our hospital.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that boosts the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. It uses immune system components, such as proteins or specially designed cells, to target and eliminate cancer cells effectively.
Mechanism of Action – How Immunotherapy Works
Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks both healthy and cancerous cells, immunotherapy:
✔️ Activates the immune system to detect and kill cancer cells.
✔️ Enhances the body’s defense mechanisms to prevent cancer recurrence.
✔️ Inhibits immune system suppression caused by tumors.
✔️ Creates immune memory, ensuring long-term cancer protection.
Immunotherapy works by training the immune system to recognize cancer as a threat, preventing the disease from spreading or returning.
Types of Immunotherapy
There are several types of immunotherapy treatments used in cancer care:
1. Checkpoint Inhibitors (Immune Checkpoint Blockers)
- Cancer cells produce proteins that stop the immune system from attacking them.
- Checkpoint inhibitors block these proteins, allowing the immune system to fight cancer effectively.
- Common drugs: Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab.
2. Monoclonal Antibodies (Targeted Immunotherapy)
- Artificially designed antibodies that attach to cancer cells, marking them for immune attack.
- Some monoclonal antibodies also deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells.
- Examples: Rituximab, Trastuzumab.
3. Cancer Vaccines
- Designed to stimulate the immune system against specific cancer cells.
- Some vaccines prevent cancer, like the HPV vaccine (prevents cervical cancer).
- Examples: Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) for prostate cancer.
4. T-Cell Therapy (Adoptive Cell Therapy)
- T-cells (a type of immune cell) are modified in a lab to enhance their cancer-fighting ability.
- These enhanced T-cells are then reintroduced into the patient’s body.
- Example: CAR-T cell therapy for leukemia and lymphoma.
5. Cytokine Therapy (Interleukins & Interferons)
- Uses proteins (cytokines) to strengthen immune responses.
- Helps the immune system identify and attack cancer cells.
- Example: Interferon-alpha therapy for melanoma and kidney cancer.
Benefits of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment due to its long-lasting and targeted effects. Some key benefits include:
✔️ More targeted treatment – Unlike chemotherapy, it mainly attacks cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
✔️ Lower risk of recurrence – Strengthens immune memory, preventing cancer from returning.
✔️ Effective for hard-to-treat cancers – Works well against cancers like melanoma, lung cancer, and blood cancers.
✔️ Fewer severe side effects – Generally, side effects are milder compared to chemotherapy.
✔️ Works when other treatments fail – Often used when chemotherapy or radiation is ineffective.
Side Effects of Immunotherapy
While immunotherapy is generally well-tolerated, it can sometimes cause:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Skin rashes and itching
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches)
- Diarrhea or digestive issues
- Inflammation of healthy tissues (lungs, liver, or intestines)
Most side effects are manageable and temporary, with proper monitoring and supportive care at Chavan Hospitals, the Best Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad.
Immunotherapy at Chavan Hospitals
At Chavan Hospitals, we offer:
Personalized immunotherapy plans tailored to each patient.
Advanced diagnostic testing to determine eligibility for immunotherapy.
Cutting-edge research and clinical trials for new immunotherapy treatments.
Expert oncologists specializing in immunotherapy.
Comprehensive follow-up care to monitor patient progress.
With our team of top oncologists in Hyderabad, we ensure the highest quality Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad for our patients.
FAQ's
- Immunotherapy is used to treat:
✔️ Lung cancer
✔️ Melanoma (skin cancer)
✔️ Blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma)
✔️ Kidney cancer
✔️ Bladder cancer
✔️ Cervical cancer
- Fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
- Targets cancer cells specifically, preserving healthy cells.
- Long-lasting protection by boosting immune memory.
- Effective even when chemotherapy fails.
- Yes, most insurance plans cover immunotherapy, but coverage varies based on the type of cancer and treatment plan. Contact Chavan Hospitals for assistance with insurance claims and financial counseling.
Treatment duration varies depending on:
- Cancer type and stage.
- Response to therapy.
- Type of immunotherapy used.
- No, immunotherapy is typically administered through IV infusion, which is not painful. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or flu-like symptoms.
Take Action Today!
Immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer treatment by offering a powerful, targeted, and long-term approach to fighting cancer. With advancements in immunotherapy, patients now have better treatment options, fewer side effects, and improved survival rates.
At Chavan Hospitals, the Best Oncology Hospital in Hyderabad, we provide state-of-the-art Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad, ensuring every patient receives world-class care.