Frequently Asked Questions
How does immunotherapy work?
Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. There are different types of immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell transfer and cancer vaccines, each of which works in distinct ways to enhance the body’s immune response against cancer.
What is the difference between chemotherapy and immunotherapy?
Chemotherapy uses drugs to directly kill cancer cells, often leading to side effects due to its impact on healthy cells as well. Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, which can lead to more targeted and potentially longer-lasting treatment effects with fewer side effects.
At what stage of cancer is immunotherapy used?
Immunotherapy is used at various stages of cancer treatment, depending on the type and extent of the disease. It can be used as a primary treatment, in combination with other therapies or as a later-stage option for patients who have not responded to chemotherapy.