Many experts believe immunotherapy represents the future of cancer treatment. Currently, it is a standard treatment for several types of cancer, including breast cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and lymphoma. Essentially, it works by capitalizing on the power of the body’s own immune system, stimulating or enhancing the natural immune response to seek out and destroy cancerous cells more effectively.

Some patients who respond favorably to immunotherapy are naturally reluctant to finish their treatment, concerned that they may lose the benefits or experience a cancer recurrence. However, studies show that immunotherapy can sometimes continue to work long after active treatment is completed. Experts believe this may occur because once immunotherapy “teaches” the immune system how to fight cancer, the immune system may “remember” how to do so in the future—even after the treatment ends.

Schedule an appointment to discuss your eligibility for treatment. Call us at 1-888-663-3488 or request an appointment online.

How is immunotherapy used to fight cancer?

Several types of immunotherapy can be used for cancer, including:

Checkpoint inhibitors – Drugs such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) can block certain proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells, thereby enhancing the body’s immune response.
CAR T-cell therapy – A patient’s own T-cells are collected and genetically re-engineered in a laboratory to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically target cancer cells. The modified T-cells are then infused into the patient’s bloodstream.
Monoclonal antibodies – Laboratory-made molecules can bind to specific antigens on cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system or delivering cytotoxic agents directly to the cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines – Vaccinations containing cancer-specific antigens can stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cytokines – Proteins such as interleukins and interferons can boost the natural ability of the immune system to fight cancer.

Each type of immunotherapy works in a unique way to harness the power of the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells.

Female cancer patient at end of immunotherapy treatment

What are the side effects of immunotherapy for cancer?

The side effects of immunotherapy for cancer can include:

Fatigue – Persistent tiredness and weakness
Skin reactions – Skin redness, itching and rashes, particularly around the injection site
Flu-like symptoms – Fever, chills and body aches
Digestive issues – Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Immune-related side effects – Inflammation of organs, such as the bowel (colitis), liver (hepatitis), lungs (pneumonitis) and hormone-producing glands (endocrinopathies)
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) – High fever, low blood pressure and difficulty breathing
Neurological symptoms – Headaches, dizziness and changes in mood or behavior

Florida's Cancer Center of Excellence

Moffitt is a Cancer Center of Excellence by the state of Florida. The designation recognizes providers that exceed service standards and excel in providing quality, comprehensive and patient-coordinated care.

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What to expect after immunotherapy ends

After immunotherapy ends, the patient will enter a follow-up care phase where they are closely monitored to assess their response to treatment and manage any long-term side effects. This follow-up may include:

Regular check-ups – During routine visits, the oncologist will check for signs of cancer recurrence and evaluate the patient’s overall health.
Images – Through the use of periodic imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET), the healthcare team will monitor the patient for changes in cancer status.
Blood work – Through regular blood testing, the healthcare team will monitor the patient’s immune function and organ health and check for late-onset side effects and complications of treatment.
Supportive care – The healthcare team will help the patient manage any lingering side effects of treatment and suggest supportive services as needed, such as physical therapy, nutritional counseling and psychological support, to help the patient navigate their recovery.
Patient education – The healthcare team will explain how to recognize signs of cancer recurrence and treatment complications and advise on when to seek medical attention.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

If you would like to learn more about immunotherapy and what happens after it ends, you can request an appointment with a specialist at Moffitt by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online.

Immunotherapy

What Happens After Immunotherapy Ends?

How is immunotherapy used to fight cancer?

What are the side effects of immunotherapy for cancer?

Florida's Cancer Center of Excellence

What to expect after immunotherapy ends

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

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