Immunotherapy or immuno-oncology is a cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to enhance the efficiency of cancer treatment. The best immunotherapy hospital in India offers diagnoses from oncologists and a suitable treatment plan customised for a particular case. Let’s take a look at how you can find the best treatment option for immunotherapy.
How does Immunotherapy work?
Immunotherapy is a promising cancer treatment that detects the growth of abnormal cells and attacks them. Under this treatment at the best Immunotherapy hospitals in India, cytokines and protein molecules are induced to help the body fight abnormal cells.
But sometimes, the cancer cells find their way to camouflage themselves from those tumors infiltrating lymphocytes or TILs.
- They camouflage themselves with some genetic changes and decrease their visibility to the immune system
- They carry protein on their exterior to disable the immune cells.
Kinds of cancer that can be treated with Immunotherapy in India
Immunotherapy is a new-age cancer treatment with the potential to treat cancer in its third or fourth stages. Immunotherapy helps in treating-
- Skin Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Colorectal Cancer (colon cancer)
- Brain tumor
- Bladder Cancer
- Lymphoma
The types of Immunotherapies used by the healthcare providers
Adoptive cell therapy
In adoptive cell therapy, modified and altered immune cells are reintroduced into a person’s body. CAR T -cell therapy helps modify T-cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)to fight against cancer. Natural killer cells (NKs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are some of the other therapies under adoptive cell therapy.
Cancer Vaccines
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine shields the body against infections that trigger anal, throat, cervical and penile cancer. The Hepatitis B vaccine is the best option to protect the body against liver cancer.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal Antibodies are made in a lab and used to target certain parts of cells to prevent the growth of cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are also used to target and release toxins, drugs, and radioactive materials to treat the affected cells.
Immunomodulators
Here treatments such as interferon, interleukins, cytokines, and checkpoint inhibitors are used to revitalize the immunity system and attack the cancer cells.
The possible risks of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has some potential risks, depending on the type of cancer. They are-
- Flu-like symptoms; chills and fever
- Diarrhea and Colitis
- Infusion-related reactions
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Skin rash
- Pneumonitis
- Loss of appetite
The different ways Immunotherapy is given
- Intravesical
- Oral
- Intravenous
- Topical
How to Prepare for Immunotherapy?
The doctors will provide you with a list of immunotherapy symptoms and side effects. However, it is imperative to call and report to the hospital if you experience any of them. As immunotherapy treatments alter the way the immune system functions, it is critical to report all adverse effects to your treatment team, especially those that are new or impact your everyday life.
If side effects are not avoided or stopped promptly, they can become severe. However, side effects do not always necessitate discontinuation of treatment. Some symptoms can be reversed if discovered early, and they are frequently treated with other medications.
For how long the immunotherapy treatment goes on?
The immunotherapy treatment period can be administered in daily, weekly, and monthly cycles, depending on various conditions. For cyclic Immunotherapy, a rest period is provided after each process. The various conditions which determine the length of the treatment are-
- The type and stage of the cancer
- The way the patient’s body is responding to the treatment
- The type of drugs in the therapy
How much does immunotherapy cost in India?
Most of the drugs used in Immunotherapy are imported from the west. As a result, the treatment is expensive. Most often, patients are required to continue the treatment for a long time and the cost can go up to USD 20000-52000. The CAR T-cell therapy costs approximately $650,000 for a single dose.
Where to get the immunotherapy treatment in India?
After analyzing the patient’s medical records and conducting necessary tests, a team of specialists decides if the candidate requires Immunotherapy. The team generally consists of the following professionals-
- Medical oncologist
- Surgical Oncologist
- An Anesthesiologist
- Other medical professionals
Several hospitals offer Immunotherapy in India. The best immunotherapy hospitals in India provide expert medical professionals and advanced healthcare infrastructure under one roof.
To be treated at the best immunotherapy hospitals in India
- Start by getting referrals
- Check with your insurance agency for coverage
- Research the hospital and staff
Most immunotherapy hospitals provide the best cancer care treatment for breast cancer, blood cancer, brain cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, gynecologic cancer, head and neck cancer, musculoskeletal cancer, pediatric cancer, and thoracic cancer, uro-oncology.
As the treatment is long-drawn, a holistic and integrated approach is essential for cancer treatment assisted by expert views from its Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and Radiation Oncology departments. As the procedure takes months to be completed, a custom treatment plan is vital for success.
Conclusion
Immunotherapy is a fresh approach to cancer treatment, and it works even when conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation fail. The best immunotherapy hospitals in India are offering this treatment as a ray of hope for cancer patients.
