Immunotherapy

The immune system

The immune system fights infection, sickness, and diseases. It is our immune system that ensures we stay healthy, as we navigate through a world of pathogens. If not for our immune system, our bodies would be vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens. The immune system is also adept at protecting the body from the development of cancer.

We can classify immunity into two categories:

Innate Immunity which is genetic or natural in nature and generally people are born with this kind of immunity, as it's ingrained in their genes.

It includes:

• Physical defenses - skin, eyelashes
• Chemical defenses - tears and stomach acid
• Cellular defenses - nonspecific

Adaptive immunity, which is also called acquired immunity to a specific Pathogen. Adaptive immunity isn't usually instantaneous, and it may or may not last a lifetime, depending upon the pathogen involved.

Our immune system can normally detect and eliminate defective cells in the body, preventing cancer from growing. However, a cancer may form if:

• The immune system is not powerful enough to kill the cancer cells
• The cancer cells produce molecules that prevent the immune system from attacking them
• The cancer cells hide from the immune system or manage to evade detection

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that harnesses the body's own immune system to prevent, control, and eradicate the disease.

Immunotherapy works by activating immune system cells like T-lymphocytes to identify abnormal or defective cells and eliminate them before they turn into tumours.

There are different types of immunotherapy.

• Adoptive T-cell transfer
• Checkpoint blockades
• Combination therapies
• Cytokines
• Monoclonal antibodies
• Oncolytic viral therapy
• Vaccines

Why is Immunotherapy important?

Immunotherapy can help:

• Train the immune system to identify and target specific cancer cells
• Boost immune cells to aid in the fight against cancer
• Supplement the body with additional nutrients to help boost the immune system's response

Why should you consider immunotherapy?

• Immunotherapy can help with different types of cancer
• Long-term cancer eradication may be possible with immunotherapy
• Immunotherapy may not have the same adverse implications as chemotherapy or radiation.

What happens during the treatment?

Immunotherapy at RMG is an outpatient service that may be given in a variety of different ways including Intravenous (IV) & injections.

All the patients will be given immunotherapy, peptides & injections

Some patients may be treated with immunotherapy alone, while others may be treated with immunotherapy in combination with other therapies, depending on the type and stage of cancer (i.e. chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy).

Our Program is divided into four phases, which includes:

Step I - Evaluation
Step II - Detoxification
Step III - Enhancing the immune system
Step IV - Maintenance

How long does immunotherapy last?

The duration of the therapy is determined by a number of factors, including:

• The type of cancer
• The stage of cancer
• The type of immunotherapy
• Body’s reaction to the treatment

You may receive the therapy which may last for two to three weeks. Some immunotherapies are given, where you have a period of treatment followed by a period of rest which gives your body a chance to recover, respond to the immunotherapy and build new healthy cells.

For example, one cycle may be four doses every three weeks; others are every two to three weeks for as long as there is benefit and no toxicity.

How will I know if immunotherapy is working for me?

Immunotherapy works by forcing the immune system to target the tumour, which means that visible signals of tumour shrinking may take longer. The tumor may continue to grow even while the therapy is ongoing. Furthermore, the sort of immunotherapy used determines the speed with which a patient reacts to the treatment. Throughout treatment, your Physician will monitor your progress, but it may take weeks or even months for your immune system to respond.

Why RMG?

At RMG, we look for ways to help you to keep up with your physical and physiological health through personalized regenerative therapies. We believe that ongoing care is the key for our patients.

Our team of healthcare professionals which includes physicians, nurse practitioners, phycologists, immunologists, and pharmacists are specialized in providing expert, compassionate care to your loved ones. They expertise in recommending medication, usage & dosage to deliver as part of a personalized treatment plan, that may help provide your loved ones, the optimal outcome possible.

To find out more about immunotherapy and how it could help you, call Regenerative Medical Group today or book an appointment online.