Side Effects Immunotherapy Lung Cancer

Asco and nccn have worked together to help clinicians and patients identify and treat the side effects of immunotherapy before they become dangerous.

Side effects immunotherapy lung cancer.

Unlike chemotherapy which kills both healthy cell and cancer cells immunotherapy helps your immune system to. Lung cancer immunotherapy side effects more for patients with metastatic lung cancer immunotherapy is an exciting and significant treatment option says dr. You and your doctor may choose immunotherapy to treat your advanced lung cancer. Immunotherapy sometimes results in the immune system attacking healthy cells which can cause side effects.

Jennifer garst a medical oncologist. Doctor and patient advocate laura porter describes what to watch out for if you re taking an immune checkpoint inhibitor a type of immunotherapy for cancer. This is like an allergic reaction and. Some people might have an infusion reaction while getting these drugs.

Side effects of these drugs can include fatigue cough nausea itching skin rash loss of appetite constipation joint pain and diarrhea. Immunotherapy side effects happen when the immune system that has been prompted to act against the cancer also acts against healthy cells and tissues in the body. Learn about the types of side effects that immunotherapy might cause and where to go for more information. Many side effects depend on the type of treatment the type and location of the cancer and a person s general health.

Immunotherapy is still a relatively new treatment for lung cancer with dozens of studies currently underway.