Immunotherapy is one of the most exciting advancements in cancer treatment in recent years. This approach harnesses the power of your own immune system to fight cancer cells.
Key Benefits:
– Fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy
– Can lead to long-lasting remissions in some patients
– May be effective even when other treatments have failed
Examples for Lung Cancer:
– Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
– Nivolumab (Opdivo)
– Atezolizumab (Tecentriq)
– Durvalumab (Imfinzi)
Examples for Skin Cancer:
– Ipilimumab (Yervoy) for melanoma
– Cemiplimab (Libtayo) for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Administration: Immunotherapy drugs are typically given as an intravenous infusion every 2-4 weeks.
Potential Side Effects: While generally well-tolerated, immunotherapy can cause immune-related side effects such as fatigue, skin rashes, or inflammation in various organs. These are usually manageable and often resolve with appropriate treatment.
Private Care Advantage: As a private patient, you’ll have access to the latest immunotherapy drugs as soon as they become available, often before they’re widely accessible on the NHS. This can be crucial in fast-moving fields like lung cancer and melanoma treatment, where new therapies are constantly emerging. As well as having the option to receive the treatment in a hospital setting that prioritises your privacy and comfort, you can choose to receive this treatment in your own home.