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Women’s Health Library

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Immunotherapy for Cancer

Treatment Overview

Immunotherapy helps treat cancer by supporting the body's immune system. It can restore, boost, or redirect the immune system. It may slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, keep cancer from spreading, or help the immune system destroy cancer cells.

Types of immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps treat cancer by supporting the body's immune system. This type of treatment can restore, boost, or redirect the immune system.

Immunotherapy for cancer includes:

Medicines.

These include cytokines and monoclonal antibodies. Cytokines are proteins made by the immune system to help cells communicate. Monoclonal antibodies find a certain protein on the surface of some cells. They lock onto it (like a key in a lock). This may then trigger the body's immune system to attack and destroy those cells.

Immune cell therapies.

One example is CAR T-cell therapy. A person's T cells are treated in a lab so the T cells are more able to attack cancer cells.

Vaccines.

Treatment vaccines, such as Sipuleucel-T, help the body's immune system find and attack cancer cells.

Questions to ask

Here are some questions to ask:

  • How long has it been used to treat cancer like mine?
  • How will this treatment help me?
  • What happens during the treatment? How long will it take? How often and where do I get it?
  • What are the side effects?

Credits

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

News & Events

Telehealth & COVID-19

Telehealth Visits are available. Request by calling (650) 239-5303 or  click “Request Appointment” above. We have a secure HIPAA compliant platform that allows me discuss your health matters privately. If you need an in person visit, please know we are using CDC guidelines of distancing patients and disinfecting. Masks are mandatory for all staff and patients. Dr Serrato does not see COVID patients here nor those with any respiratory symptoms. Your safety is of the utmost concern to me.… Continue Reading