Immunotherapy And Melanoma: What You Need To Know
Medical professionals and researchers have made great strides in their efforts with melanoma. Thanks to their efforts, cancer patients have access to a variety of different skin cancer treatment options, including immunotherapy. As a relatively new method for treatment, many people have numerous questions about the process. If your physician has recommended this method for you and you're left with several unanswered questions, here is some helpful information.
What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is an innovative new form of treatment that is designed to activate your immune system. The idea is that by activating, or alerting, the immune system, it will begin to perform its natural process of fighting off things in the body that don't necessarily belong, including cancer cells. Since cancer cells often mutate, the therapy is designed to fight cancer cells even as they transform.
There are three general types of this therapy. Checkpoint inhibitor treatment is designed to block the signals that allow cancer cells to safely hide in the body. The next is the cytokine process. This is the administration of a protein that helps the immune system function. The final option is the cancer vaccine, which is targeted at treating the cancer cells directly.
Preparing For Treatment
In addition to effectiveness, immunotherapy offers a number of benefits to cancer patients, as it is free from many of the harsh side-effects that come along with other methods of cancer treatment. However, there are things you want to do to prepare of your treatment session.
Prepare For Chemotherapy
While it is not always the case, in some instances, an individual may have to undergo a round of chemotherapy before the physician can administer the immunotherapy. It's a good idea to mentally prepare yourself for this idea so that it will be easier to process should this turn out to be the required method for your condition.
Notify Family Members
Let your family members that live in the home with you know about your upcoming treatment. Again, this therapy method isn't always as side-effect intensive as other options, but it is possible that you might feel tired, nauseous, and weak. Alerting your family will ensure they are prepared to step in and help.
When it comes to preparing for and collecting information about your immunotherapy treatment, your physician is your first life of defense. Your physician will be able to answer questions related specifically to your condition. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have.
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