Understanding your treatment options is crucial when facing a cancer diagnosis. Immunotherapy and chemotherapy are two common approaches, but they work in very different ways. While chemotherapy targets and destroys rapidly growing cancer cells, immunotherapy strengthens your body’s immune system to fight the disease. Knowing the benefits, risks, and differences between these treatments can help you make an informed decision with your care team.
Join the team at Astera Cancer Care as we explore how each therapy works, their benefits and risks, and which might be the best fit for your unique situation.
What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy has been a cornerstone in cancer treatment for decades. This treatment works by using powerful drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered in various ways, including intravenously, orally, or through injection, depending on the type of cancer and treatment goals.
Benefits of Chemotherapy:
- Effective for many cancer types: Chemotherapy has been shown to be effective against various cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
- Works systemically: Since chemotherapy circulates throughout the body, it can target cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy:
- Hair loss: One of the most well-known side effects of chemotherapy.
- Fatigue: Many patients experience extreme tiredness.
- Nausea and vomiting: Chemotherapy can cause severe nausea and vomiting, though medications can help manage this.
- Weakened immune system: Chemotherapy can lower the body's ability to fight infections.
What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a newer class of cancer treatment that works by harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer. This treatment stimulates or enhances the body’s immune response, helping it recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Benefits of Immunotherapy:
- Targeted approach: Immunotherapy specifically targets cancer cells without harming healthy cells, reducing the overall side effects.
- Long-lasting effects: Some immunotherapies can result in long-term remission, even for cancers that were previously considered difficult to treat.
- Versatile: Immunotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
Side Effects of Immunotherapy:
- Inflammation: Some patients experience inflammation in healthy organs as their immune system becomes overactive.
- Fatigue: Similar to chemotherapy, immunotherapy can cause tiredness.
- Flu-like symptoms: These can include fever, chills, and muscle aches.
- Skin reactions: Rash and itchiness are common.
Comparing the Two: Key Differences
Understanding the key differences between immunotherapy and chemotherapy is vital for choosing the right treatment.
How They Work:
- Chemotherapy: Works by attacking rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancer and some healthy cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer more effectively, often with less damage to healthy tissue.
Side Effect Profiles:
- Chemotherapy: The side effects can be harsh due to the systemic nature of the drugs.
- Immunotherapy: While side effects are generally less severe, they can still affect different organ systems, especially if the immune system becomes overactive.
Treatment Duration:
- Chemotherapy: Often requires several rounds of treatment over a few months.
- Immunotherapy: May involve less frequent treatments over a longer period of time, and some therapies are given as maintenance therapy to help prevent cancer recurrence.
Get the Cancer Care You Deserve
Choosing the right cancer treatment is a pivotal step in your recovery. At Astera Cancer Care, we are committed to offering compassionate, individualized care to our patients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward understanding the best treatment options for you.