Immunotherapy for cancer
Introduction
Immunotherapy is a relatively new and widely discussed cancer treatment. Instead of directly attacking cancer cells, as with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, immunotherapy helps the body’s own immune system to better recognize and eliminate cancer cells. For many people, this raises questions. What exactly does immunotherapy do, for which types of cancer is it used, and what does it mean for daily life? At Mauro Medical Specialists, we explain this step by step and provide you with personalized support, in addition to your treatment at the hospital.
What is cancer immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a treatment that stimulates or supports the immune system in fighting cancer. Normally, the immune system recognizes abnormal cells and eliminates them. However, cancer cells can hide themselves or suppress the immune system.
Immunotherapy disrupts this mechanism. It enables immune cells to recognize cancer cells again and attack them more aggressively. In other words, the body does the work itself, with the help of the treatment.
When is immunotherapy used to treat cancer?
Immunotherapy is not used to treat every type of cancer. The treatment is particularly effective for certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer, skin cancer, kidney cancer, and some forms of colorectal cancer.
Whether immunotherapy is an option depends on several factors, such as:
The type of cancer
The stage of the disease
Specific characteristics of the tumor
Previous treatments
The patient's overall condition
Your treating oncologist will work with you to determine whether immunotherapy is appropriate as part of your treatment plan.
Difference between immunotherapy and other treatments
Immunotherapy is clearly different from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While chemotherapy can also damage healthy cells, immunotherapy works in a more targeted way through the immune system.
That does not mean that immunotherapy has no side effects. The nature of the side effects is different and is related to a more active immune system. It is therefore important that symptoms are recognized promptly and monitored closely.
Side effects of immunotherapy
Side effects of immunotherapy occur because the immune system becomes more active. This can lead to inflammatory reactions in various organs. Common symptoms include fatigue, skin rashes, diarrhea, or joint pain.
Sometimes, organs such as the thyroid, lungs, or intestines may also be affected. These side effects are usually manageable, especially when detected early. Proper guidance and monitoring are therefore essential during immunotherapy.
Living with Immunotherapy
For many people, immunotherapy is less taxing than chemotherapy, but it remains an intensive treatment. The impact varies from person to person. Some people are able to continue most of their daily activities, while others find that their energy is limited.
At Mauro Medical Specialists, we help you cope with fatigue, uncertainty, and changes in your daily life. Together, we’ll explore how you can manage your energy and what you need to function as well as possible.
Immunotherapy and long-term cancer control
A major advantage of immunotherapy is that it has a long-lasting effect in some people. The cancer can remain under control for an extended period, even after treatment has stopped. In such cases, cancer is sometimes viewed as a chronic condition.
This calls for a different approach to care, with a focus on monitoring, lifestyle, mental resilience, and long-term quality of life.
Meet our specialists
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Diederik Visser
Director & Co-founder
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Leonard Bokhorst
Radiation Oncologist & Co-founder
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Max Peters
Radiation oncologist
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Tanja Oostergo
Medical Oncologist
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Berdine Heesterman
Medical Scientific Advisor
Read more about cancer here
Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Immunotherapy
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The goal is to help the immune system better recognize and attack cancer cells.
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No, the treatment does not work for all types of cancer or for every patient. Suitability is carefully assessed.
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The side effects vary. Some people experience fewer symptoms, while others experience specific immune reactions. Proper guidance is important.
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We offer personalized medical guidance, explanations, and support outside of the hospital setting, addressing both physical and mental health impacts.
Would you like personalized advice regarding your situation?
Please feel free to contact us to schedule an introductory meeting. We’ll listen to your needs, work with you to find the best solutions, and guide you every step of the way.