How Immunotherapy Is Used To Treat Cancer

Common Side Effects Of Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, like any other treatment, comes with potential side effects, though most are mild and taper off once the body adjusts to the treatment. Additionally, side effects from immunotherapy tend to be fewer than those from other cancer treatments. The side effects patients experience and their severity depend on the type of immunotherapy treatment or combination of treatments, the dosage, how the patient is receiving the treatment (e.g., orally or intravenously), and the patient’s overall health.

The most common side effects all fall under the ‘flu-like’ classification, and include fever, chills, nausea, loss of appetite, as well as body aches and pains. These symptoms tend to occur shortly after receiving the immunotherapy treatment. Reports indicate taking medicine such as acetaminophen and receiving immunotherapy before bed can help the body adjust and minimize these symptoms. Other side effects include fatigue, which often accompanies the flu-like symptoms, and skin reactions, such as itchy skin, redness, swelling, or a rash. Patients should inform their doctors of any side effects so they can adjust dosages, prescribe medicines, or change the immunotherapy treatment as needed.

Serious Side Effects Of Immunotherapy

Some of the rarer side effects of immunotherapy used in cancer treatment include trouble breathing, high or low blood pressure, a weakened immune system, increased risk of infection, as well as severe or even fatal allergic reactions. Doctors understand the potential effects and would weigh the options before recommending treatment to a patient. It is especially important for patients to fully disclose their medical history, including information on allergies, medications they have taken, as well as family medical history. All of this information helps doctors prescribe immunotherapy treatments with the lowest chances of causing serious side effects while also balancing the effectiveness.

Doctors will also, of course, run through the specific side effects patients need to watch out for once they recommend a particular immunotherapy treatment, since the potential effects do shift. As with the common side effects, patients should report any unusual symptoms when receiving immunotherapy immediately.