Immunotherapy: Unleashing the Body’s Own Power against Cancer
Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking form of Biological Therapy for Cancer that empowers a patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. In hematology, it is often used for malignant blood diseases that have not responded to traditional therapies, providing a targeted and personalized approach. A hematologist works closely with specialized teams to administer these treatments.
Dr. Nishad Dhakate: A Leading Hematologist and BMT Physician
Dr. Nishad Dhakate specializes in autologous and allogeneic blood and bone marrow transplants, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. He manages inherited and acquired red, white, and platelet disorders, as well as immunodeficiency conditions, with personalized care for each patient.
Symptoms and When Immunotherapy Is Used
- Symptoms: Persistent fatigue (Anemia), unexplained infections (Immunodeficiency), or Bleeding Disorder (Thrombocytopenia) may indicate advanced or relapsed disease.
- Causes and Indications: Used for relapsed Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, certain Leukemias post-chemotherapy or transplant, and targeted immune therapies for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
The Procedure: A Closer Look at Living Drugs
- Monoclonal Antibodies: Lab-made proteins that attach to cancer cells, tagging them for destruction or delivering toxins directly.
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Block signals that allow cancer cells to evade the immune system, releasing the “brakes” on T-cell activity.
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: Patient’s T-cells are collected, genetically modified to target cancer, and infused back. Effective in relapsed/refractory Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
- Cytokines and Immunomodulators: Boost overall immune response against cancer.
Immunotherapy is more targeted than chemotherapy, causing fewer generalized side effects, but can produce immune-related side effects that require careful management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que. Is immunotherapy a type of chemotherapy?A. No. Immunotherapy harnesses the immune system, while chemotherapy directly kills cancer cells. They are distinct, though can be combined. Que. Is CAR-T cell therapy the same as a bone marrow transplant?
A. No. CAR-T cell therapy modifies a patient’s T-cells to attack cancer. Bone marrow transplant replaces the entire blood-forming system with healthy stem cells from a donor or autologous transplant. Que. Is immunotherapy a cure for cancer?
A. Immunotherapy can lead to long-term remission for some patients but is not guaranteed for all cancers. Its success depends on cancer type and patient immune response. Que. Can immunotherapy treat non-cancerous blood disorders?
A. Certain immunotherapies treat autoimmune blood disorders, but its primary use in hematology is for blood cancers.
