Immunotherapy
Biologic Treatments for Cancer
Immunotherapy refers to treatments that strengthen your body’s own immune system to help control and fight tumor growth. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly attacks cancer cells, immunotherapy works by enhancing your body’s natural defenses. It is also called immuno-oncology, biologic therapy, biotherapy or biological therapy.
Exeter Hospital offers the latest immunotherapy options for cancer. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the type of cancer, how far it has spread, and any previous therapies you have received. For some patients, immunotherapy may be the most effective approach.
Some patients receive immunotherapy alone, while others may combine it with chemotherapy or radiation. Your doctor will guide you in understanding which treatments are right for you and how they can help manage your cancer.
Understanding the Immune System
Your immune system is made up of organs and cells that help protect your body from infections and diseases, including your spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, bone marrow and white blood cells.
A healthy immune system can usually distinguish between “good” cells that keep you well and “bad” cells that can make you sick. Sometimes, however, the immune system does not respond effectively, which can allow diseases like cancer to develop. Researchers are studying why this happens and how to enhance the immune system’s ability to fight disease.
White blood cells play a key role in immune defense. Your doctor or nurse may refer to specific types, including:
- Monocytes: a type of white blood cell
- Lymphocytes: another type of white blood cell
- B cells: a kind of lymphocyte
- T cells: a kind of lymphocyte
- Natural killer cells: a kind of lymphocyte
How Biologic Treatment Works
Biologic therapies, also called immunotherapy or immuno-oncology, help your body fight cancer using its own immune system. These treatments either mimic natural substances produced by the body or use drugs developed from them.
Immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer in several ways:
- Slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells
- Helping the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells
- Preventing cancer from spreading to other parts of the body
Types of Immunotherapy
Exeter Hospital offers a range of immunotherapy treatments, including:
- Bone marrow transplant
- Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy
- Cytokine-based immunotherapy
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors
- Bispecific antibodies
- Antibody drug conjugates
What To Expect with Your Care
Some immuno-oncology treatments come as pills or injections that can be taken at home, while others are given through an intravenous (IV) line at the hospital or a clinic. Your cancer care team will explain how long you need to stay for treatment and what to expect during your visits.
Immunotherapy schedules vary depending on your treatment plan. You may receive therapy daily, weekly or monthly. Your doctor will provide a personalized schedule and explain how long your treatment will last.
At Exeter Hospital’s Immuno-Oncology Program, we use a team-based approach to provide comprehensive cancer care. Our team includes:
- Clinical research associates
- Medical oncologists
- Nurse coordinators and nurse practitioners
- Surgical oncologists
Like other cancer treatments, immunotherapy can cause side effects. These may include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Bone pain
- Chills or fatigue
- Fever or loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Rashes or swelling at injection sites
Your care team will monitor you closely and help manage any side effects that arise.
Exeter Hospital provides access to a wide range of supportive services, including surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, palliative care, nutritionists and pain management specialists. We can arrange timely referrals to these services as needed.
Our dedicated social workers are available to support you and your family at any time, helping with emotional, practical and logistical needs throughout your treatment journey.
