See the relevant developments in cancer treatment particularly in immunotherapy which is proved to be an effective solution as it is less aggressive and more focused than chemotherapy. Investigate how they differ from each other, what are their possible adverse effects, and which are the individual-based strategies that are revolutionizing cancer therapy.
The Innovative Approach: Immunotherapy
The methods futuristic in the cancer treatment it has today progressed to immunotherapy that has revolutionized cancer treatment as opposed to using chemotherapy as the only option.
Unlike chemotherapy where healthy as well as cancerous cells are destroyed, immunotherapy where the body immunity is boosted is cancer treatment where only the cancer cells are targeted. This is a more precise method where the goal is to enhance the internal mechanisms of the body for example immune response so that the body could destroy the cancerous cells better.
From Dr. Raman Narang, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist, it is clear that immunotherapy has various forms or classes such as monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and interferons each having a different working mechanism. This diverse arrangement makes it possible for the physician administering the treatment to customize and modify the therapy in relation to the specific patient making chances of cure high.
Management of Side Effects: Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy and chemotherapy are both approaches that are commonly used in cancer treatment however, the effects they have on the human body are different.
As noted by Dr. Pooja Babbar, consultant medical oncologist, patients on chemotherapy carry huge side effects including hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and in certain cases, infections. Such side effects, however, are temporary since they are only manifested at the height of the treatment as normal cells have a chance to recover.
On the other hand, Immunotherapy can also cause tiredness and lethargy like chemotherapy, but these side effects are more short-lived. Furthermore, due to increased activity of the immune system, skin rashes, organ inflammation, and in some cases, even autoimmune response may occur. These side effects, particularly the last two, can sometimes appear weeks or months after the start of treatment and may need specific treatment with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.
The main distinction is that immunotherapy consists of focusing the attack on the cancer cells with the help of the immune system as opposed to the systemic approach presented by the chemotherapy. This focus can help reduce the side effects but introduces the need for proper follow-up.
Conclusion
The current protocols of cancer care can now be made more precise and less injurious due to the introduction of new concepts, out of which immunotherapy stands to be most exceptional. Quite similar to chemotherapy, immunotherapy focuses on the same objective which is the increasing of survival of patients and complete elimination of the cancer. However, the differences with regard to the mode of action as well as tolerability lead to immunotherapy as being so attractive.
Realizing the advantages specific to each method and collaborating with the appropriate professionals, it is possible for patients to even more efficiently treat cancer in the present and future. Fighting this terrible illness requires also emphasis on treatment directed toward the individual’s prospective – this is the essence of this approach.
