What are the types of immunotherapy?

Several types of immunotherapy are used to treat cancer. These include:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors: Drugs that block immune checkpoints, allowing the immune cells to respond more strongly to cancer
• T-cell transfer therapy: Boosts the natural ability of the body’s T cells to fight cancer by converting the most active cells in the body to better the cancer cells
• Monoclonal antibodies: Proteins created in the lab that are designed to bind to specific targets on cancer cells, so that they will be better seen and destroyed by the immune system
• Treatment vaccines: Works against cancer by boosting the body’s immune system’s response to cancer cells
• Immune system modulators: Enhances the body’s immune response against cancer

What are the side effects of immunotherapy?

• Skin reactions
• Flu-like symptoms
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath (trouble breathing)
• Swelling of legs (edema)
• Sinus congestion
• Headaches
• Weight gain from retaining fluid
• Diarrhea
• Hormone changes

How is immunotherapy given?

Different forms of immunotherapy may be given in different ways. These include:

• Intravenous (IV)
• Oral
• Topical
  Intravesical (through the bladder)