Immunity Therapy

Immunity Therapy works by harnessing your body's immune system to locate and eliminate cancer cells. By enhancing your immune system, which naturally recognizes and eliminates invaders, including cancerous cells, this cancer therapy empowers it to more effectively detect and eradicate cancer cells.

It falls under the category of biological therapy, which involves the use of substances derived from living organisms or synthetic versions created in a laboratory. It proves to be highly effective, potentially extending the lifespan of individuals dealing with Cancer.

Immunotherapy is not as commonly employed by doctors compared to other cancer treatments like surgery, chemo-therapy, and radiation therapy. However, it is applied for specific types of cancer, and ongoing clinical trials are being conducted to explore its effectiveness for treating additional types of cancer.

Why is Immunity Therapy needed?

In the management of various forms of metastatic cancer, healthcare providers view immunity therapy as a primary or initial treatment. It is common for them to integrate immunotherapy with chemo-therapy, targeted therapy, or other cancer treatment modalities. Different types of immunotherapies are employed to address a wide range of cancer types, with each variant targeting distinct elements of the immune system. A significant portion of ongoing research is concentrated on applying this therapy as a cancer treatment, but it is also applied in the treatment of various other medical conditions like

• Primary immunodeficiencies like CTLA4 deficiency, LRBA deficiency, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, severe combined immunodeficiency, X-linked lymphoproliferative disease
• Various allergies
• Autoimmune diseases
• Tissue and organ transplants
• Inflammatory disorders
• Infectious diseases

Your doctor may advise you following tests before proceeding for Immunity Therapy:

• Physical examination: This involves the doctor feeling areas of your body for lumps or abnormalities, such as changes in skin color or organ enlargement, which could indicate the presence of cancer.
• Laboratory tests: Urine and blood tests may help identify abnormalities associated with cancer. For example, a complete blood count can reveal unusual white blood cell numbers or types in individuals with leukemia.
• Imaging tests: Noninvasive imaging tests, including CT scans, bone scans, MRI, PET scans, ultrasound, and X-rays, allow the examination of bones and internal organs to detect potential signs of cancer.
• Biopsy: This involves collecting a sample of cells for laboratory testing. Biopsy procedures vary depending on the cancer type and location, with the results providing a definitive diagnosis. In the laboratory, doctors examine cell samples under a microscope. Normal cells display uniformity in size and orderly organization, while cancer cells appear less organized, with varying sizes and a lack of apparent organization.
• Cancer Staging: After diagnosing cancer, your doctor determines its extent (stage) to guide treatment decisions and assess the likelihood of a cure. Staging involves tests like bone scans or X-rays to check if cancer has spread. Stages are denoted by numbers 0 through 4 (Roman numerals 0 through IV), where higher numbers indicate more advanced cancer. Some cancers use letters or words to indicate stage.
• Immunotherapy Suitability: The medical team evaluates whether the patient's specific type of cancer is suitable for this therapy. Not all cancers respond equally to it, so this step is crucial in determining the appropriateness of the treatment.
• Discussion of Risks and Benefits: The healthcare provider discusses the potential risks and benefits with the patient. This includes possible side effects and the expected outcomes of the treatment.
• Informed Consent: Before proceeding with therapy, the patient is provided with detailed information about the treatment plan, and informed consent is obtained.
• Treatment Plan Development: Based on the pre-evaluation results, a personalized treatment plan is developed, outlining the specific immunotherapy approach, dosage, and schedule.

Immunity Therapy is performed through several methods, depending on the specific type of procedure and the nature of the Cancer being treated. Here are common ways in which this therapy is administered:

• Intravenous (IV) Infusion: Many immunotherapy drugs are delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV line. This method allows the drug to circulate throughout the body, interacting with the immune system to target and attack cancer cells.
• Subcutaneous Injections: Some therapy drugs are administered as injections under the skin. This method allows for a controlled release of the drug over time.
• Oral Medications: Certain drugs are available in pill or capsule form, allowing patients to take them orally.
• Topical Applications: In some cases, therapy may involve applying a cream or ointment containing immune-stimulating substances directly to the skin.
• Intravesical Therapy: For certain types of bladder cancer, drugs may be delivered directly into the bladder through a catheter.
• Intralesional Injections: In cases where the cancer is localized, drugs may be injected directly into the tumor or lesion.
• Adoptive Cell Transfer (ACT): This is a specialized form of immunotherapy, such as CAR T-cell therapy, where a patients own immune cells are extracted, modified or enhanced in the laboratory, and then reintroduced into the patients body.

The side effects are likely to occur with Immunity Therapy. The most common side effects are

• Skin reactions at the needle site, if you get it by IV
• Flu-like symptoms
• Severe reactions (occur rarely)
• Swelling and weight gain due to retaining fluid
• Sinus congestion
• Heart palpitations
• Diarrhea
• Organ inflammation
• Infection
• Fatigue
• Itchy rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Decreased thyroid hormone levels

Immunity Therapy may be administered on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, or according to a specific cycle. In cyclic immunotherapy, there is a designated rest period following treatment, allowing the body to generate healthy cells. The duration of treatment is influenced by factors such as:

• Type and stage of cancer
• Specific drug used
• Your bodys response to the treatment

Now that your Immunity Therapy is over, you might be contemplating some health-oriented goals to pursue. Engaging in physical activity, maintaining a nutritious diet, achieving a healthy body weight, and refraining from smoking can contribute to:

• Regaining or Building Strength: Physical activity and a balanced diet can aid in regaining or building strength after the challenges of treatment.
• Reducing Side Effects: A healthy lifestyle may help alleviate lingering side effects from treatment.
• Minimizing the Risk of Second Cancers or Other Health Issues: Adopting healthy habits can contribute to reducing the risk of developing second cancers or other health problems.
• Managing Stress: Engaging in wellness practices can be effective in managing stress, fostering emotional well-being.
• Alleviating Fatigue: Following a wellness plan may assist in reducing fatigue, promoting overall energy levels.
• Enhancing Enjoyment of Life: Embracing a healthy lifestyle can contribute to a more enjoyable and fulfilling life post-treatment.

A personalized wellness plan is a crucial component of your post-treatment care. Tailored to your individual needs, preferences, and fitness level, it will likely differ significantly from that of another survivor. This plan is designed to help you feel better and support your recovery after cancer treatment.

Cancer signifies a breakdown in the immune system, rendering it less effective in defending against invaders. Immuno-Oncology works to boost the immune system's efficiency, enabling it to combat the proliferation of cancer cells. Immunity therapy is playing a crucial role in enhancing outcomes for individuals diagnosed with various challenging Cancers, such as advanced Bladder, Kidney, and Lung Cancers.

The response rate of cancer patients to immunotherapy drugs typically ranges from 20 to 50%, depending on the specific type of cancer. Moreover, some studies suggest that only 20% of people receiving therapy may suffer from severe immune-related adverse effects.

Oncologists are optimistic that ongoing advancements in immune modulation research will lead to increased durable responses as they gain deeper insights into the intricate interactions between the immune system and cancer cells.

A notable study conducted by UCLA researchers focused on patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), revealing that the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab elevated the average 5-year survival rate from 5.5% to 15%.

While this therapy may not be universally beneficial for all types of cancers, its documented successes underscore its positive impact on patients, contributing to life-saving outcomes. Ongoing immune modulation clinical trials are working on exploring novel approaches like anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L-1 therapies. These endeavors hold the potential to enhance both clinical responses and survival rates.

The cost of Immunity Therapy in India is quite affordable than many Western nations, while still maintaining world-class quality. The approximate price of this procedure in India ranges from ₹1,50,000 ($1,830) - ₹4,55,000 ($5,550) per session.

Following are the factors affecting cost of Immunity Therapy in India:

• Out of pocket expense
• Health insurance coverage
• Consultation fees
• Pre-treatment expenses
• Type and severity of cancer
• Procedural cost
• Hospital fees
• Doctor fees
• Patients age
• Type of procedure
• Overall health status of the patients
• Complications involved after the procedure
• City where hospital is located

The cost for diagnostic tests and evaluations linked to immunity therapy can fluctuate due to several factors. These factors include the particular tests needed, your choice of healthcare facility or clinic, and your geographical location. The following is the approximate diagnostic cost split for this treatment:

MedFlick, your trusted healthcare companion, is dedicated to ensuring that your medical journey goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.

• Individualized Guidance: Personalized guidance throughout your medical journey.
• Access to a broad network of prominent hospitals, top doctors, and skilled surgeons.
• Transparent and Competitive Pricing: A full breakdown of treatment costs that eliminates surprises and offers you cost-effective solutions.
• MedFlick provides everything from travel arrangements to hotel and visa help to lodging.
• Multilingual Support: Breaking down language barriers to allow patients and medical professionals to communicate more effectively.
• The road to a successful immunity therapy is long and challenging, full of hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. With MedFlick as your guide, navigating this life-changing adventure becomes simple and liberating.