Immunotherapy is a method of treating cancer using the power of the immune system. A healthy immune system defends the body against infection and helps remove unhealthy or damaged cells, such as cancer.
Some types of immunotherapy work by broadly increasing the immune system’s overall response. Others work by helping specific parts of the immune system such as T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells.
Immunotherapies include small molecules called antibodies, drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and adoptive cell therapy (including chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] therapy). Treatments are usually given through a vein (intravenous or IV). *Immunotherapies are rapidly evolving. Talk with your care team about the most up-to-date options.
The goal of immunotherapy is to help the body recognize and kill cancer, and defend itself against cancer. Side effects are usually a result of turning on the immune system, which can cause inflammation.
