What Are The Side Effects Of Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that utilizes particular components and characteristics of a patient's immune system to treat diseases, including cancer. The human immune system is a group of specialized cells, organs, and substances that protect the body from harmful or foreign organisms and substances. In the last several decades, researchers have found the immune system can be manipulated in certain ways for the purpose of treating disease. There are several mechanisms used to accomplish this. Medications can stimulate the individual's immune system to work harder and smarter to find and attack cancerous cells more effectively. Some immunotherapy medications actually train the patient's immune system to detect and attack specific cancer cells. Other immunotherapy medications augment the immune system with man-made versions of immune substances. While immunotherapy has shown to be useful and effective for the treatment of some cancers, it does come with its own set of side effects that should be considered.

Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of immunotherapy, impacting patients' well-being and overall experience. Nausea, characterized by a sick-to-the-stomach sensation, can occur with or without actual vomiting. Understanding the distinction between acute and delayed nausea and vomiting provides insights into managing these symptoms. Acute episodes typically occur shortly after treatment, while delayed symptoms persist for an extended period. Treatment anxiety can contribute to anticipatory nausea, emphasizing the importance of addressing psychological aspects of patient care. Additionally, waste products from the treatment's impact on cancer cells may induce nausea, highlighting the need for proactive medication strategies to alleviate these side effects.

Effective management of nausea and vomiting involves a comprehensive approach, combining pharmacological interventions with psychological support. Patients should be informed about available medications and encouraged to communicate openly with healthcare providers to tailor solutions to their individual needs.