Immunotherapy as Part of a Personalized Cancer Treatment Plan
If your RMCC care team recommends immunotherapy, it may be used in combination with chemotherapy or instead of it. Neither therapy is necessarily “better” than the other. They use different mechanisms to fight cancer. While chemotherapy directly attacks cancer cells, immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and respond to the cancer. Immunotherapy does not change how chemotherapy works. Rather, when used together, these treatments may provide additional benefit by targeting cancer in different ways.
What to Expect
Knowing what to expect from immunotherapy can help you better prepare for your appointments and ease some anxiety. Although every patient experience is different, immunotherapy at RMCC’s comprehensive cancer centers often follows the same general steps. When arriving for an appointment, you will likely first meet with your RMCC care team for an initial check-in. The oncology staff will take your weight, blood pressure, and other vital signs. You may be asked to complete blood work or other testing before your therapy begins.
When you are cleared for therapy, you will be seated in a comfortable infusion chair where oncology-certified infusion nurses will help administer your therapy and monitor your treatment. Depending on the type of immunotherapy you receive, treatment may be given through an IV infusion or by injection. (Note that a few immunotherapy drugs may be taken orally at home.) During your infusion, you can relax in a comfortable chair while your care team monitors you throughout treatment.
RMCC’s oncology-certified infusion nurses are highly skilled in immunotherapy and are focused on your physical and emotional needs. They are there to answer your questions, address any side effects or concerns, and make sure your therapy is administered safely. Their compassionate care and expertise help patients feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout treatment. During therapy, many people opt to read, take a nap, listen to music, or watch something on their personal device. You are welcome to bring a loved one with you to keep you company, as well as any personal items to help pass the time. Depending on your type of therapy, your appointment may last between 30 minutes to several hours.
When therapy is complete, your infusion nurse will talk with you about any side effects and ensure you are ready to go home. Many people are able to return to their normal activities after treatment, although some experience fatigue or other side effects that may develop later. Your care team will explain what to expect based on your specific treatment and when you should call if you notice new symptoms.
How Often Will I Have Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy appointments usually occur weekly or monthly. The number of treatments you receive will depend on many factors including the type of immunotherapy being used and how your cancer responds to the treatment. Some people receive immunotherapy on a regular schedule with planned breaks between treatments, while others continue treatment for longer periods of time. Your RMCC oncologist will closely monitor your progress and keep you informed about how treatment is working.
Keep in mind that unlike some cancer treatments, it can take some time to notice the results of immunotherapy. Because it works by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, it can take weeks or even months to determine its effectiveness. While waiting for results isn’t easy, it’s important to know that immunotherapy can lead to long-lasting benefits once the immune system begins responding to the cancer.
