Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest and most aggressive types of cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy are the most often used treatments. Immunotherapy operates in a unique manner. The therapy uses the immune system of the human body to target and eliminate cancer cells. This treatment may also alter how pancreatic cancer is treated. It has also been shown to improve the results and quality of life of those suffering with pancreatic cancer. To know more about Implications of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer treatment, OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Sushatkumar Ikhar, HCG NCHRI Cancer Centre - Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Implications Of Immunotherapy
Enhancing the body's Immune Response
Immunotherapy stimulates the body's immune system to more efficiently recognise and fight growing cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors are one of the most distinct processes that make immunotherapy a desirable treatment option. These checkpoint inhibitors function by preventing cancer cells from evading the immune system, allowing the immune cells to recognise and eliminate the tumour.
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Regarding pancreatic cancer, immunotherapy stimulates cytotoxic T cells that can quickly identify and eliminate the tumours. This method can help overcome the immune suppressive environment usually found in pancreatic tumours, making them vulnerable to immune attacks.
Survival Rates
Immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer has demonstrated excellent results throughout time; it is an effective treatment option that has expanded treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients. There have been trials that demonstrate higher survival rates even when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Immunotherapy has also been demonstrated to be helpful in patients with specific genetic alterations.
These individuals are known to be resistant to conventional treatment approaches; but, with immunotherapy, they have witnessed a remarkable response, resulting in a longer life and better quality of life.
What to keep an eye out for
When patients choose immunotherapy over standard therapies such as chemotherapy, there are numerous advantages. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, tends to cause more harm due to its non-selective cell-targeting nature, whereas immunotherapy exclusively targets cancer cells, resulting in minimal damage to healthy cells. However, this technique can result in minor side effects such as nausea, exhaustion, and hair loss, which are commonly linked with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy has been shown to elicit long-lasting responses, leading to cures in some cases. This is especially hopeful for individuals with pancreatic cancer, who have typically faced restricted treatment options and dismal long-term survival rates.
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A ground-breaking approach to battle pancreatic cancer, immunotherapy represents medical advancement. This treatment enhances the immune response, minimises toxins, offers personalised treatments, and improves overall survival rates. With proper implementation of the therapy, this treatment provides a sigh of relief for pancreatic cancer patients and their families.
The Bottomline
To improve outcomes, ongoing research efforts are focused on early detection methods, developing more effective treatments, and understanding the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer. Clinical trials and advancements in personalised medicine offer hope for better outcomes in the future.
Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease with a significant impact on patients and their families. Raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting research are crucial in combating this aggressive form of cancer and improving the chances of successful treatment.