Utilizing the body’s immune system to treat a variety of illnesses, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases, is known as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy places a greater emphasis on boosting or altering the immune response than conventional treatments, which directly target the disease.
Due to its potential to deliver more focused and long-lasting results with fewer side effects as compared to conventional treatments, it has attracted a lot of attention recently.
About Immunotherapy
Symptoms
The disease and its characteristics are frequently considered when deciding whether to seek immunotherapy as a treatment option. Cancer and autoimmune illnesses are frequently treated with immunotherapy.
Here are some general scenarios where immunotherapy might be considered, along with the symptoms that could indicate a need for this type of treatment:
Cancer:
- When cancer has progressed to an advanced stage and is not responding well to traditional therapies like radiation treatment or chemotherapy therapy, immunotherapy is taken into consideration.
- When cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body, immunotherapy may be used to treat the condition.
- Since they give tumours new immune system targets, high tumour mutation loads may improve the response to immunotherapy.
- Cancer cells that express high levels of the PD-L1 protein may be more likely to respond to checkpoint inhibitor treatment.
- In several cancer forms, such as melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and specific types of lymphoma, immunotherapy has shown notable benefit.
Autoimmune Diseases:
- When conventional therapies like corticosteroids or DMARDs are unable to control the symptoms of an autoimmune disease, immunotherapy may be investigated.
- Immunotherapy can be used to treat severe autoimmune disease consequences that harm key organs or systems.
- Patients who have few options for treatment or who experience severe adverse effects from traditional therapies may benefit from immunotherapy.
- Immunotherapy may be a viable choice if a patient has undergone several conventional medicines without seeing remission or disease control.
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Types
Immunotherapy encompasses a variety of approaches that leverage the body’s immune system to fight diseases, particularly cancer and autoimmune disorders. Here are some common types of immunotherapies:
- Checkpoint Inhibitors
- Cancer Vaccines
- CAR T-Cell Therapy
- Adoptive T-Cell Transfer
- Immune System Modulators
- Oncolytic Virus Therapy
- Monoclonal Antibodies
- Immune Checkpoint Blockade
- NK Cell Therapy
- Cytokine Therapy
- Immune Checkpoint Agonists
- Dendritic Cell Vaccines
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Diagnosis
Diagnosing whether a patient is a candidate for immunotherapy involves a comprehensive evaluation of their medical history, disease characteristics, and overall health.
The diagnostic process can vary depending on the specific disease being considered for immunotherapy. Here’s a general outline of the diagnostic process:
- Clinical Evaluation
- Laboratory Tests
- Imaging Studies
- Biopsy
- Molecular Profiling
- Genetic Testing
- Tumour Marker Testing
- PD-L1 Expression
- Immune Profiling
- Pathology Review
- Disease Staging
- Consultation with Specialists
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Outlook
The prognosis for immunotherapy patients varies greatly depending on the disease, the stage it is in, and the person’s reaction to the treatment. While some patients can see notable improvements, others might only see moderate changes.
To get the best results, treatment programs are frequently monitored and modified on a regular basis.
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Treatment of Immunotherapy
Complications
While immunotherapy shows promise, it can also have several negative side effects. Depending on the immunotherapy’s nature, the condition being treated, and unique patient characteristics, these side effects can differ. Here are some potential side effects that could occur while receiving immunotherapy:
- Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs):
- Skin reactions
– Gastrointestinal issues
– Liver inflammation
– Endocrine problems
– Pneumonitis
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)
- Neurological Complications
- Organ-Specific Complications
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Blood Disorders
- Secondary Infections
- Fluid Retention and Edema
- Cardiovascular Complications
- Kidney Dysfunction
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Prognosis
The efficacy of the immune response, the stage of the disease currently being treated, and the patient’s general health all affect the prognosis following immunotherapy. While some individuals enjoy complete remission, others may see their disease stabilize or advance more slowly.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for immunotherapy complications include a history of autoimmune diseases, certain genetic predispositions, and pre-existing conditions that affect the immune system. These factors can influence the decision to pursue immunotherapy and the choice of specific treatments.
Side Effects
Immunotherapy, while offering potential benefits in treating diseases, can also lead to various side effects. These side effects can range from mild to severe and can vary based on the type of immunotherapy, the disease being treated, and individual patient factors. Here are some common side effects associated with immunotherapy:
- Fatigue
- Skin Reactions
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Flu-Like Symptoms
- Loss of Appetite
- Respiratory Symptoms
- Endocrine Dysfunction
- Liver Problems
- Blood Disorders
- Allergic Reactions
- Neurological Symptoms
- Heart and Kidney Issues
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Pre / Post Care
Regular check-ups as well as blood tests may be required for immunotherapy patients to assess their response and look for any negative side effects. While post-care entails treating treatment-related adverse effects and confirming the treatment’s efficacy, pre-care may involve evaluating the patient’s general health and immunological status.
Treatment Cost
Immunotherapy costs in India might vary significantly depending on the procedure being used, the ailment being treated, the length of the treatment, the hospital, and the area.
As new therapies become available, healthcare regulations change, and the value of currencies fluctuates, prices can also shift over time.
- Cancer Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy:
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): Depending on the course of action plan, the price per session might range from ₹60,000 to ₹2,000,000. - Cancer CAR T-Cell Therapy:
The costs of CAR T-cell therapy can range from Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 2 crores or more, depending on the type of cancer, the hospital, and the treatment protocol. - Monoclonal antibody therapy (for autoimmune or cancerous conditions):
Due to several factors, including the specific antibody and therapeutic plan, the cost of monoclonal antibody therapy can range widely, from ₹10,000 to ₹500,000 or more per session. - Inhibitors of Immune Checkpoints (Autoimmune Diseases):
Depending on the medication and treatment approach, immunosuppressive drug therapies for autoimmune diseases might cost between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000 per session. - Additional Immunotherapy:
Based on treatment-specific parameters, the price of various forms of immunotherapy, such as cancer vaccines, adoptive T-cell therapy, and cytokine therapy, might drastically vary.
