Jeremy Ohara

Author
Jeremy Ohara

Immunotherapy for Rare Cancers: Expanding Treatment Options

  Jan 17, 2024
Reviewed by Ravinder Kaur

Immunotherapy is a sort of cancer treatment that enhances the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It boosts the immune system’s ability to recognise and attack cancer cells. While immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating several types of cancer, its effectiveness in treating rare cancers is still being studied. However, recent research has shown that immunotherapy may be a viable treatment option for rare cancers, expanding treatment options for patients.

Hyderabad is a rapidly growing healthcare hub in India. As such, an oncology hospital in Hyderabad will offer cutting-edge cancer care services, including immunotherapy. According to a recent report, the incidence of cancer in Hyderabad is rising, with an estimated 50,000 new cancer cases reported each year. This highlights the critical need for high-quality cancer care services in the region.

So, the best oncology hospital in Hyderabad will offer immunotherapy as a treatment option for cancer patients. These hospitals have experienced oncologists and state-of-the-art facilities that provide patients with the best possible care. With the latest technologies, experienced oncologists, and state-of-the-art facilities, oncology hospitals are helping patients fight cancer and improve their quality of life. It’s essential to be aware of the treatment options available and seek medical attention promptly if you have any concerns about your health or are experiencing any symptoms. With the right treatment plan and support, cancer patients can hope for a better outcome.

What are Rare Cancers?

Rare cancers are a group of cancers that are diagnosed in fewer than six people per 100,000 individuals each year. They can be difficult to diagnose and treat, as there is often limited information about them. Some examples of rare cancers include mesothelioma, sarcomas, and neuroendocrine tumours.

How Does Immunotherapy Work?

Immunotherapy targets specific proteins in cancer cells, known as checkpoints, that prevent the immune system from recognizing and attacking cancer cells. Immunotherapy helps the immune system identify and destroy cancer cells by blocking these checkpoints.

Types of Immunotherapy

Several types of immunotherapy include checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and immune checkpoint modulators.

Checkpoint inhibitors are immunotherapy that blocks the checkpoints on cancer cells, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. CAR-T cell therapy involves genetically modifying a patient’s T cells to target specific cancer cells. Immune checkpoint modulators enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Benefits of Immunotherapy for Rare Cancers

Immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating several rare cancers, including sarcomas, mesothelioma, and neuroendocrine tumors. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that checkpoint inhibitors effectively treat certain rare cancers, including soft tissue sarcomas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Another study published in the Journal of Immunotherapy found that immunotherapy effectively treated advanced-stage mesothelioma.

In addition to its effectiveness, immunotherapy has fewer side effects than traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This is because immunotherapy targets cancer cells specifically without damaging healthy cells in the body.

Immunotherapy is a promising treatment option for rare cancers, expanding treatment options for patients with these types of cancers. While immunotherapy is still challenging to treat rare cancers, ongoing research and clinical trials are shedding light on its potential effectiveness. If you have been diagnosed with rare cancer, talk to your healthcare provider about whether immunotherapy is viable. With the right treatment plan and support, patients with rare cancers can have hope for a better outcome.




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