Unlocking the Body’s Arsenal: A Guide to Biological Therapy for Cancer
Biological therapy for cancer uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells directly, biological therapies either stimulate the immune system or target specific pathways that help cancer cells grow. Hematologists and blood cancer specialists provide expert guidance in this innovative treatment area.
Dr. Nishad Dhakate: A Leading Expert in Hematology and BMT
Dr. Nishad Dhakate is a highly experienced and certified Hematologist and Hemato-Oncologist with a specialization in autologous and allogeneic blood and bone marrow transplants, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. He is well versed in the management of hematological disorders, inherited and acquired red, white, and platelet disorders and immunodeficiency disorders. His approach to treatment is comprehensive and tailored to each patient’s individual needs. He is committed to providing the best possible care to his patients and strives to stay up to date with the latest innovations in the field of Hematologist and Hemato-Oncologist.
How Biological Therapy Works and Its Applications
A hematology doctor at a hematology clinic will determine the most suitable therapy based on the specific cancer:
- Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs): Lab-made proteins that attach to specific targets on cancer cells, marking them for immune destruction or blocking growth signals. Used in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Myeloma.
- Cytokines: Proteins like interferons and interleukins that regulate and boost the immune response against cancer cells.
- Cancer Vaccines: Stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Mostly in clinical trials for preventing recurrence.
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: Patient’s T-cells are genetically modified to recognize cancer cells, then reinfused. These “super T-cells” destroy the cancer. Used for certain Leukemia and Lymphoma cases.
The Role of Biological Therapy in Blood Disorders
Biological therapies treat malignant blood diseases alone or with other treatments like chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant:
- Monoclonal antibodies for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or targeted therapies for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
- Used pre- or post-bone marrow transplant to prevent relapse.
- Boost immune system for patients with immunodeficiency.
- Also applied in benign blood diseases like Anemia, Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, and Myelodysplastic Syndromes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que. Is biological therapy the same as chemotherapy?A. No. Chemotherapy kills all fast-growing cells, while biological therapy uses substances from living organisms or the patient’s immune system to target cancer cells more precisely. Que. Can biological therapy cure cancer?
A. Some therapies, like CAR-T cell therapy, can achieve complete or lasting remission for certain blood cancers, but not all patients respond. Que. Are there side effects to biological therapy?
A. Yes. Side effects range from flu-like symptoms to severe issues like cytokine release syndrome in CAR-T therapy. Hematologists monitor patients to manage these effects. Que. Can biological therapy be used with a bone marrow transplant?
A. Yes. It may be used to prepare the patient for a transplant or prevent cancer recurrence post-transplant.
