What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. Instead of directly targeting tumors with chemotherapy or radiation, immunotherapy works by boosting or modifying the immune response so it can better recognize and attack cancer.
There are different forms of immunotherapy, including:
- Checkpoint inhibitors (help the immune system recognize cancer cells)
- CAR T-cell therapy (engineers a patient’s T-cells to fight cancer)
- Cancer vaccines (stimulate the immune system against tumor-specific antigens)
- Cytokine therapy (uses proteins like interferons or interleukins to boost immunity)
Immunotherapy has shown promising results for certain cancers, but like any treatment, it also comes with potential side effects.
Common Side Effects of Immunotherapy
Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells, immunotherapy side effects usually result from an overactive immune response. Here are some common ones patients should know:
- Fatigue
- One of the most frequently reported side effects.
- Can range from mild tiredness to extreme exhaustion.
- Skin Reactions
- Rash, itching, or redness, especially at the injection site.
- Some patients develop vitiligo (loss of skin pigment).
- Flu-like Symptoms
- Fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches.
- May occur shortly after treatment.
- Digestive Issues
- Diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain.
- In some cases, inflammation of the colon (colitis) can develop.
- Inflammation of Organs (immune-related adverse events)
- Immunotherapy can sometimes cause the immune system to attack healthy organs.
- Examples include pneumonitis (lungs), hepatitis (liver), thyroiditis (thyroid), or myocarditis (heart).
- These side effects can be serious if not managed quickly.
Less Common but Serious Side Effects
- Endocrine System Problems – Hormone imbalances that may cause weight changes, mood swings, or fatigue.
- Neurological Effects – Rare, but may include numbness, weakness, or confusion.
- Severe Allergic Reactions – Some patients experience infusion-related reactions such as low blood pressure or difficulty breathing.
What Patients Should Do
- Report symptoms early: Even mild side effects can progress if ignored.
- Work closely with your oncologist: Treatment may be paused, adjusted, or combined with medications like corticosteroids to manage inflammation.
- Maintain healthy lifestyle habits: Balanced diet, hydration, and adequate rest can help the body cope better with treatment.
Conclusion
Immunotherapy is an important advancement in cancer care, giving many patients new hope. However, it is not without risks. Understanding the potential side effects—from fatigue and skin reactions to more serious immune-related complications—can help patients and families make informed decisions and seek timely care.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your oncologist before starting or changing any cancer treatment.
