In recent years, the landscape of cancer treatments has witnessed a groundbreaking shift with the introduction of immunotherapy. This cutting-edge approach harnesses the body's own immune system to combat and conquer cancer cells. Let's dive into the details to learn more about this transformative technique and explore its impact on the fight against brain cancer.
What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy, often hailed as the "fifth pillar" of adult brain cancer treatment, and stands out for its unique ability to empower the immune system. Unlike traditional treatments, which directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy stimulates the body's natural defenses, enhancing its capacity to identify and eliminate malignant cells.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
The immune system’s natural role is to detect and eliminate harmful invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells. However, cancer cells can evade detection by using tactics like genetic mutations or producing proteins that "turn off" immune cells.
Immunotherapy essentially boosts the immune system’s ability to identify and attack cancer cells. Common methods include:
- Cytokines and Antibodies: Substances that enhance immune responses to abnormal cells.
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Drugs that block proteins like PD-1 and CTLA-4, which cancers use to evade immune attacks.
- Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs): Immune cells found near tumors that signal the immune system’s attempt to fight back.
Simply put, immunotherapy allows the immune system to target and destroy tumors by disrupting cancer’s defensive mechanisms.
How Successful Is Immunotherapy For Brain Cancer?
Immunotherapy’s effectiveness in brain cancer treatment is still under study. While promising results have been observed in certain cancers, more research is needed to understand its full potential for brain tumors.
At Duke’s Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, our expert team can evaluate whether immunotherapy is an appropriate option for your treatment plan. Consulting with a specialist is key to determining your eligibility for this innovative therapy.
Types of Immunotherapy
Several immunotherapy approaches are being researched and tested for brain cancer. Here are the most common:
Monoclonal Antibodies (MABs)
Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) are specially made proteins that act like the body’s natural immune defenses. These lab-engineered antibodies are designed to attach to specific markers, or antigens, on cancer cells. Once attached, they help stop cancer cells from growing or signal the immune system to destroy them.
MABs fight cancer in several ways:
- Stop Cancer Growth:
- Some MABs block the signals that cancer cells need to grow and divide, slowing down or stopping the spread of the tumor.
- Help the Immune System Attack:
- By attaching to cancer cells, MABs act like flags, marking the cells so the immune system can find and destroy them.
- Deliver Targeted Treatments:
- MABs can carry treatments, like chemotherapy drugs or radioactive particles, directly to the cancer cells. This allows for a more focused attack while sparing healthy cells.
- Trigger Immune Cell Action:
- MABs can activate the body’s natural immune responses to kill cancer cells. This includes mechanisms like encouraging immune cells to "eat" cancer cells or break them down.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Checkpoint inhibitors block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer. These drugs—such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors—help the immune system recognize and eliminate tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are already being used for cancers like melanoma and lung cancer and hold promise for brain tumors.
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer treatment vaccines teach the immune system to recognize tumor-associated antigens found on cancer cells. By training the immune system to detect these antigens, vaccines help it better identify and destroy cancerous cells.
Oncolytic Virus Therapy
This approach uses genetically modified viruses to infect and kill cancer cells. By targeting immune-suppressing proteins, oncolytic viruses enhance the immune system’s ability to attack tumors.
T-Cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy modifies a patient’s T-cells to target cancer cells more effectively. These engineered cells are reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream to recognize and destroy malignant cells.
What Are The Side Effects of Immunotherapy?
The side effects can vary depending on many factors, such as how healthy you are before beginning treatment, the dosage you are on, what type of immunotherapy you are on, how advanced your cancer is, and more.
However, here are some side effects that have been seen from immunotherapy:
- Fever
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Joint Aches
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Low or High Blood Pressure
- Trouble Breathing
How Is Immunotherapy Administered?
Immunotherapy can be delivered in several ways, including:
- Intravenously: Through a vein.
- Subcutaneously: Via injection under the skin.
- Intramuscularly: Directly into a muscle.
- Intratumorally: Injected directly into the tumor.
Your doctor will determine the best method based on your specific cancer type and treatment plan.
How Long Does Immunotherapy Take To Work?
Immunotherapy is still a relatively new treatment, and how quickly it works can vary. For some patients, it may take several weeks or even months to see results, while others might not notice changes for much longer. Many patients remain on immunotherapy for about two years, depending on their response to the treatment and the type of cancer being treated.
Doctors monitor the effectiveness of immunotherapy by checking for changes in the tumor, such as shrinkage or stability in its size. These observations help determine how well the treatment is working and how quickly it’s taking effect.
It’s important to remember that immunotherapy doesn’t work the same way for everyone. While some patients see positive changes relatively quickly, others might need more time for their immune system to fully respond. Since this field is still evolving, researchers are continually studying how and why immunotherapy works differently in each case.
If you’re considering immunotherapy, your doctor can guide you through what to expect and help monitor your progress every step of the way.
Plan a Visit to the Best Brain Tumor Treatment Center
At the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, we are leaders in advanced brain tumor therapies, including immunotherapy. Our clinical research programs explore the latest innovations, ensuring patients have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and treatments.
Take the first step towards comprehensive care and a brighter future. Choose The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center for personalized and advanced brain cancer treatment. Your journey to healing begins here.
Schedule a consultation with our expert team today, or stop by our offices in Durham, NC, to book an appointment. Your well-being is our priority, and we look forward to helping you along your journey.
Explore our blog to learn more:
- What Are The Different Brain Tumor Grades?
- Understanding the Psychological Effects of Brain Tumors
- What Happens If a Benign Tumor Is Left Untreated?
Frequently Asked Questions About Immunotherapy
1. What stage of cancer is immunotherapy used for?
Immunotherapy is often recommended for advanced or metastatic cancers, though it’s increasingly being studied for earlier stages as well.
2. Is immunotherapy stronger than chemotherapy?
While chemotherapy directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy enhances the immune system’s ability to attack them. The effectiveness depends on the type of cancer and the patient’s unique case.
3. Why do cancer patients get immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is an option for patients whose cancers have resisted traditional treatments or for those seeking a less toxic alternative.
4. What are the bad sides of immunotherapy?
Side effects like fatigue, nausea, and immune-related complications can occur. It’s important to weigh these risks with your doctor.
5. How long does it take for immunotherapy to work?
Results vary, but it often takes weeks to months for the immune system to show measurable responses to treatment.