Can immunotherapy be used for all types of cancer?

Immunotherapy cannot be used for all types of cancer. Although it represents an important treatment option for some cancers, its effectiveness varies significantly depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's immune system response. Generally, immunotherapy is still less commonly used than surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy [1].

How does immunotherapy work?

Immunotherapy utilizes the immune system's natural ability to fight cancer cells. The immune system works to detect and destroy abnormal cells and can prevent or limit the growth of many tumors. However, cancer cells can evade detection and destruction by the immune system in several ways, such as by having genetic changes that make them less visible, or by having proteins on their surface that switch off immune cells [1].

Immunotherapy aims to boost the immune response against cancer. Types of immunotherapy include immune checkpoint inhibitors that block the points that limit the strength of the immune response, T-cell transfer therapy that boosts the ability of T-cells to fight cancer, monoclonal antibodies that target specific cancer cells, therapeutic vaccines that boost the immune system's response to cancer cells, and immune system modulators that enhance the body's general immune response against cancer [1].

Types of cancer that benefit from immunotherapy

Immunotherapy drugs have been approved for the treatment of many types of cancer. However, the response to treatment varies, and it is not used for all types of cancer [2]. To determine if immunotherapy might be appropriate for a specific type of cancer, one should consult the dedicated cancer treatment summaries for adults and children [1].

Factors influencing the choice of immunotherapy

The decision to use immunotherapy depends on several factors, including the type of cancer and how advanced it is, the specific type of immunotherapy, and how the patient's body responds to the treatment [1]. Immunotherapy may be given alone or in combination with other treatments [3]. The patient is closely monitored during immunotherapy to evaluate its effectiveness and manage any side effects [2].

Side effects of immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can cause side effects, many of which occur when the immune system, activated to fight cancer, also targets healthy cells and tissues in the body. Common side effects include skin reactions at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, and in rare cases, severe reactions [2]. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with the treating physician [3].

Ongoing research and challenges

Researchers are focusing on several key areas to improve immunotherapy, including finding solutions for resistance, discovering ways to predict responses to immunotherapy, understanding how cancer cells evade immune responses, and how to reduce the side effects of treatment [1]. For more information on how immunotherapy works, you can visit Cancer Immunotherapy: How the Immune System is Utilized to Fight Cancer? (Arabic).

Medical references

• Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer
• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Immunotherapy: questions to ask your doctor