Cancer Immunotherapy
When you’re facing cancer, every step forward matters. One of the latest advances in treatment is immunotherapy—and you have access to it here at Cone Health in Greensboro and surrounding areas. It gives your body the tools to fight cancer cells, which can otherwise hide from your immune system or even shut it down. With this treatment, you could live longer and enjoy a better outcome.
Is Immunotherapy Right for Me?
Immunotherapy works best for certain cancers. Cone Health sometimes uses it for:
Your medical oncologist (cancer doctor) will look at your type and stage of cancer and overall health before prescribing treatment. Even if immunotherapy isn’t the right first step for you, it may still be part of your care plan later.
Types of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy drugs work in different ways. Your oncologist will prescribe the right type for your needs. We’ll see you often throughout treatment to check how you’re doing and adjust your care plan as needed.
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Bispecific Antibodies
Bispecifics are a newer treatment option at the Cone Health Cancer Center at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro. We’re among a few community programs to offer this type of medicine, which requires unique expertise.
Bispecifics work by connecting your immune cells directly to the cancer cells. One side of the bispecific antibody attaches to a cancer cell, and the other side grabs onto a white blood cell. This helps your immune system get close enough to destroy the cancer. Bispecifics could help you especially if you have lymphoma or multiple myeloma, even if your cancer is hard to treat.
Checkpoint Inhibitors
These medicines take the brakes off your immune system. Cancer cells sometimes send out signals that tell your immune system not to attack. Checkpoint inhibitors block those signals so your immune system can do its job.
Cytokines
Your immune system naturally makes cytokines to help immune cells grow and work better. In cancer treatment, doctors use lab-made versions to give your immune system an extra push.
Monoclonal Antibodies
These lab-made proteins stick to cancer cells and flag them for your immune system to destroy. Some also deliver cancer-fighting drugs right to the tumor.
Vaccines for Cancer
Vaccines teach your immune system how to recognize and fight certain cancers. Some vaccines treat existing cancer; others help prevent it from coming back.
What to Expect During Treatment
You may get immunotherapy through a vein (IV), injection, pill, or cream. Some people get it every few weeks, while others may have more frequent visits. Your care team will explain the schedule and help you understand what to expect.
Possible Side Effects
Because immunotherapy strengthens your immune system, treatment could make your body attack healthy cells. You might have side effects such as:
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Skin rash or itching
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
Tell your care team about your side effects. We can help you manage them in a variety of ways, including with support and wellness services that make you feel better.
