Immunotherapy Treatment Side effects and Management

Understanding Side Effects of Immunotherapy Treatment

Immunotherapy is specially designed to enhance or strengthen your immune system to fight cancer. Although, it is considered as an effective treatment for multiple types of cancer, but it can also cause several side effects. Many side effects like pain, itchiness or rashes are mild. Other side effects may require prompt health care.

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a medical treatment that uses your body’s immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells in the body.

Immunotherapy has become the most promising clinical option for treating cancer patients in India. It helps to boost the immune system and creates a need for large amounts of proteins to identify cancer cells and fight against disease.

Why Does Immunotherapy Cause Side Effects?

Immunotherapy can cause side effects due to the ongoing treatment as it activates the immune system of the patient. It is highly beneficial for attacking cancer cells, but it can also attack the healthy tissues mistakenly. These reactions are also called immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Factors Triggering Side Effects

Not all patients have same side effects from immunotherapy. The ones you have and how they make you feel will depend on:

• Your overall health before treatment starts
• Stage of your cancer
• How advanced your cancer is
• The type and dose of immunotherapy you are receiving

Immunotherapy Treatment Side effects

Immunotherapy can cause side effects. Patients who have taken immunotherapy, some may have very few side effects, while on the other hand, other patients may experience serious health complications. Let’s discuss some most common side effects of immunotherapy.

Some Side Effects Include:

Mild to moderate side effects

• pain
• swelling
• soreness
• redness
• itchiness
• rash

Individual may experience flu-like symptoms, like:

• fatigue
• fever
• chills
• weakness
• dizziness
• nausea or vomiting
• muscle or joint Pain
• headache
• Difficulty while breathing
• low or high blood pressure

Other side effects involves:

• swelling and weight gain
• heart palpitations
• sinus congestion
• diarrhea
• infection
• organ inflammation

Immunotherapy can also lead the patient to inflammation in the organs of the body. Inflammation can occur in any part of the body which includes, the lung , liver or thyroid gland.

Side Effects Specific to Different Types of Immunotherapies

Note that each type of immunotherapy has its own profile of side effects. Having a deep knowledge about these side effects can better help patients and their care teams to treat the specific challenges connected with each treatment modality.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

• Possible Side Effects include: Rash, itchiness,vitiligo, diarrhea, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, etc.

Monoclonal Antibodies

• Side Effects include: Fever, chills, low blood pressure, rashes,high blood pressure,  itchiness, diarrhea and nausea.

CAR T-Cell Therapies

• Side effects include: Fever, low blood pressure, trouble breathing, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, viral infections, and fungal infections.

How To cope with Immunotherapy side effects?

To manage certain side effects during immunotherapy treatment, it will be best if you stay in touch with your doctors and nurses. Keep them updated about adverse effects you are experiencing, as there are many side effects that can be easily managed over-the-counter medication. However, some side effects may necessitate prescription drugs.

If you consult with your doctor about side effects at time, they can help you manage them to avoid major problems. If side effects are managed effectively, it should permit the patient to take only a short break or stay on the immunotherapy medication longer.

Patients can also try connecting with palliative care team. Palliative care teams is a combination of experienced doctors, nurses and other medical practitioners who are specially trained to help you manage your side effects. 

How suitable is immunotherapy for my condition?

While some people have experience significant benefit from immunotherpy, others do not have the same positive response. It is not possible to predict how the patient’s body will respond to any treatment. Stay in touch with your doctor to better understand what to can expect while you are on an immunotherapy.

How long do side effects from immunotherapy last?

Immunotherapy side effects can appear as the treatment starts, however they are more commonly show up after several weeks or months. Infusion-related reactions or injection site pain are some side effects that can occur soon after the treatment. The frequency of side effects may also differ based on the patient’s treatment regimen and overall health.

How Can You Manage Immunotherapy Side Effects?

Not all but some side effects of Immunotherapy can be managed effectively with simple strategies that you can use at your own home.

These strategies include:

1. Manage Fatigue: If you are not felling well do not pressurize yourself to do the work. Either take 15-20 minute short naps and then continue with your work.
2. Do light activities: Engage yourself in light exercise such as walking as it can help you enhance your energy levels.
3. Maintain hydration: Drink plenty of water, at least drink 9- 10 glasses of non-caffeinated liquids everyday.
4. Diarrhea and Immune-Related Colitis: Monitor bowel movements and talk with your health experts if changes happen. Do not eat high fat, spicy, and high-fiber foods.
5. Mucositis: Manage mouth sores by using alcohol-free mouthwash, keeping lips moisturized, and eating non-irritating foods. Consult your healthcare provider about oral cryotherapy.
6. Neuropathy: Manage your numbness by limiting alcohol consumption and doing exercises regularly. Also, wear protective clothes.
7. Changes in Skin: Try to keep your skin moisturized, avoid direct sunlight, and use high-SPF sunscreen. Talk to your doctor in situations, where skin conditions like rash or peeling occur.
8. Regular Checkups: Go for frequent blood tests and imaging as it can help you monitor organ function and detect side effects early.

When to Consult Your Doctor

Patients should immediately talk to their health professional if they experience:

• Severe shortness of breath
• High fever
• Confusion or seizures
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Sudden swelling or jaundice

To Sum Up

Immunotherapy is designed to give your immune system the boost it needs to rid your body of cancer cells. Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, offering longer survival and better outcomes for many patients. However, it comes with certain side effects.

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