What once offered few varieties in treatment, the field of oncology and cancer care has evolved over the last decade. Immunotherapy is a cutting-edge medical advancement that doctors are now regularly incorporating into cancer care programs. To understand more about immunotherapy and if it’s something you could benefit from, consider the following frequently asked questions.

What You Need to Know About Immunotherapy

What is it?

Immunotherapy is a treatment method that alters the body’s immune system through activation or immunosuppression. Activation immunotherapy improves cell growth and modifies the way the cells identify foreign cells. This form of therapy is commonly used in cancer treatment, while immunosuppression is typically recommended for organ transplants and autoimmune conditions.

How does cancer affect the immune system?

Cancer develops when damaged DNA in your body sends messages to your biomolecular pathways, which cause tumor cells to grow abnormally. These tumors form from your own body’s cells, and your immune system typically doesn’t respond because they aren’t identified as foreign invaders. Additionally, some cancers are smart and develop their own defenses, such as secreting chemicals that tell the body to shut down your immune system.

How does immunotherapy actually work?

When used in cancer treatment, immunotherapy signals the immune system to begin defending against abnormal cells and growth. This therapy helps your immune system recognize the cancer as a disease and begins to attack the irregular cells like it would a bacteria or virus.

Are there different types of immunotherapy?

While there are several kinds of therapies available, they can be narrowed down into four general categories. Vaccines require the injection of tumor cells and immune-stimulating proteins into the body to come up with a “medicine” to fight the cancer. Cell-based therapy involves modifying the immune cells out of the body to be used against a disease. The antibody-based treatment infuses antibodies to fight against cancer or other diseases, while combination treatments include elements of the prior three methods.

If you are interested in learning about how immunotherapy can be used as part of your cancer care program, talk with the professionals at Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC, in Anchorage. The caring team of doctors and staff members are dedicated to helping you navigate the ins and outs of cancer treatment and will provide you with the information you need to take control of your health. To learn more about their clinic, visit them online or call (907) 279-3155.