Updated on: Sep 14, 2022

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment, sometimes called biological therapy. Immunotherapy works to help the immune system find and attack cancer cells.

Immunotherapy is used to:

  • Stop or slow the growth of cancer
  • Stop cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body
  • Help the immune system work better to destroy cancer cells
  • Deliver toxins, such as radiation or chemotherapy, directly to cancer cells

Immunotherapy Facts

  • There are many types of immunotherapy. Ask your Oncologist which type you are taking
  • Immunotherapy can be given as a pill (orally) or by a needle into your vein (IV)
  • You will have a set schedule for taking your immunotherapy
  • You may have immunotherapy on it's own or along with chemotherapy, radiation or both
  • Your Oncology Nurse will go over the specific side effects of your immunotherapy
Acs Immuno
Handout on immunotherapy from the American Cancer Society.
 

Immunotherapy - American Cancer Society