A Guide to Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment in the UAE

a. Advanced Cancers: When traditional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation are insufficient to control advanced cancers or when cancer has metastasized, immunotherapy becomes a vital option. It harnesses the body's immune system to target and combat cancer cells in ways that conventional treatments may not achieve.

b. Specific Types of Cancer: Immunotherapy has shown significant effectiveness in treating certain cancers:

• Melanoma: Advanced melanoma is treated using drugs that target immune checkpoints like PD-1 and CTLA-4.
• Lung Cancer: Some types of non-small cell lung cancer, especially those with high PD-L1 levels, respond well to drugs such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab.
• Kidney Cancer: Drugs targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 have become standard for advanced kidney cancer.
• Lymphomas and Leukemias: Specific types like Hodgkin lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia can also respond well to immunotherapy, either alone or in combination with other treatments.

c. Recurrence Prevention: Immunotherapy is not limited to initial treatment; it is also used to prevent cancer recurrence after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. By enhancing the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate any residual cancer cells, it aims to reduce the risk of cancer returning.

d. Clinical Considerations: Before initiating immunotherapy, doctors typically conduct biomarker testing to determine if the cancer expresses specific markers like PD-L1, indicating potential responsiveness to treatment. Immunotherapy may be administered alone or in combination with other therapies, depending on the cancer type, stage, and individual patient considerations.

In summary, immunotherapy represents a transformative approach for advanced cancers and specific cancer types known to respond favourably to it. It plays a crucial role in both treatment and recurrence prevention, with ongoing research and clinical trials continually improving its application and outcomes in challenging cancer cases.

Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation

The journey begins with a consultation with your oncologist, a specialist in cancer care. They'll delve into your medical history, conduct tests to understand your cancer's type and stage, and assess whether your immune system is primed for immunotherapy.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Immunotherapy

If you’re deemed a suitable candidate, your doctor will recommend the most appropriate type of immunotherapy. This decision is based on factors like the specific characteristics of your cancer and your overall health. Commonly used immunotherapy drugs include checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab or nivolumab, which work by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells effectively.

Step 3: Treatment Sessions

Unlike chemotherapy, which often requires regular and sometimes intensive sessions, immunotherapy treatments are typically less frequent. Depending on your treatment plan, you may receive medication via an IV drip every few weeks. This schedule allows your body time to respond to the treatment and minimizes disruption to your daily life.

Step 4: Monitoring and Side Effects

Throughout your immunotherapy journey, your medical team will closely monitor your progress. They’ll keep an eye out for any potential side effects, although these are generally milder compared to chemotherapy because immunotherapy targets cancer cells more specifically. You might experience manageable symptoms like fatigue, skin reactions, or flu-like symptoms, which your healthcare team will help you navigate.

Step 5: Assessing Progress

As you undergo treatment, your doctor will regularly evaluate how your cancer is responding. Some patients notice improvements relatively quickly, while for others, it may take more time to see results. Monitoring your response allows adjustments to be made to your treatment plan as necessary, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Step 6: Follow-Up Care

After completing your course of immunotherapy, follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your recovery and check for any signs of cancer recurrence. These visits are crucial for maintaining your overall health and ensuring that your immune system remains strong in the long term.

Immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering a more targeted and often less disruptive alternative to traditional therapies. By harnessing the body’s own immune defences, it holds promise for improving outcomes and quality of life for many cancer patients.