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Immunotherapy

A modern treatment approach that strengthens the immune system against cancer.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is the umbrella term for treatments that mobilize the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Cancer cells use various mechanisms to evade immune surveillance; immunotherapy blocks these escape routes and enables T cells to kill the tumor.

The most important subgroup of immunotherapy is the immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 inhibitors). These drugs are approved in melanoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and many other cancer types. In some patients dramatic and durable responses are achieved.

CAR-T cell therapy is based on genetically modifying the patient's own T cells in the laboratory to target cancer cells. It has shown promising results, particularly in relapsed or refractory lymphomas and leukemias.

Symptoms

Immunotherapy side effects relate to immune system activation (immune-related adverse events)
Skin rash and pruritus
Diarrhea and signs of colitis
Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
Fatigue and muscle aches
Pneumonitis: cough and shortness of breath
Rare but serious: hepatitis, hypophysitis, diabetes

Risk Factors

History of autoimmune disease (relative contraindication)
Use of systemic corticosteroids (decreases immune activation)
History of organ transplantation (rejection risk)
Advanced age (variable adverse-event tolerance)
Renal or hepatic dysfunction
Tumor PD-L1 expression level (used to predict response)
Microsatellite instability status (MSI-H tumors respond better)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Severe diarrhea or bloody stools (colitis)
  • Onset of dyspnea or dry cough (pneumonitis)
  • Severe rash or skin blistering
  • Marked fatigue and muscle weakness
  • Contact your oncology team for any new symptom

Treatment Methods

01
Checkpoint inhibitors: pembrolizumab, nivolumab (anti-PD-1); atezolizumab, durvalumab (anti-PD-L1); ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4)
02
CAR-T cell therapy: tisagenlecleucel, axicabtagene ciloleucel
03
Bispecific antibodies: blinatumomab (in ALL)
04
Management of immune-related adverse events: corticosteroids and immunosuppressants
05
Combination regimens: checkpoint inhibitor + chemotherapy or targeted therapy
06
Patient monitoring: regular blood tests and organ function follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.