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Immunotherapies have actually transformed the way cancer is being treated, providing hope to countless patients. For people who are battling mesothelioma, these treatments give you a chance at improved survival and quality of life. While some side effects may arise, they can sometimes indicate positive treatment outcomes.
Immune-Related Side Effects
Immune checkpoint inhibitors abbreviated (ICIs) they are used for immunotherapy drugs. These types of medications will allow your immune system to quickly recognize and even attack cancer cells quickly. Many researchers have proven the survival benefits and also side effects of ICIs, allowing researchers to study the link between the two.
Patients receiving ICIs often experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs), where immune cells mistakenly attack healthy tissues, resembling autoimmune disorders. Common irAEs include:
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal inflammation (colitis)
- Itchy skin
- Lung inflammation (pneumonitis)
- Pneumonia
- Skin irritation (dermatitis)
- Thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis)
- Vitiligo (rash with loss of skin pigment)
Studies Linking Immune-Related Side Effects to Better Survival With ICI Treatment
Lung Cancer Study
A 2023 study analyzed 54 prior studies of non-small cell lung cancer patients who received various ICIs. Researchers found that patients who experienced immune-related side effects had a 42% lower risk of dying compared to those who did not.
Malignant Melanoma (Skin Cancer) Study
A study conducted at a single cancer center examined skin cancer patients treated with Opdivo® (nivolumab). It was found that cancer patients that has experienced immune-related side effects were around 70% more likely to be alive at the end of the study compared to those who did not.
Skin Reactions
Skin reactions, such as itchy skin and rashes, are among the most common side effects of ICIs. Research reported that all these reactions may correlate with better survival outcomes for different types of cancer, like bladder, lung, and skin cancers.
Studies that Linked to Skin-Related Side Effects to Better Survival With ICI your Treatment
Lung Cancer Study
In a study of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with Opdivo or a similar ICI, those who experienced skin-related side effects lived nearly 50% longer than those who did not.
Bladder Cancer Study
A study on bladder cancer patients treated with ICIs found that those who experienced skin-related side effects lived more than three times longer than those who did not.
Vitiligo Rash Linked to Skin Cancer Prognosis
Vitiligo, characterized by patches of skin losing color, has been linked to better survival outcomes in skin cancer patients treated with ICIs. A study reported that patients who had developed vitiligo had a 75% lower risk of death compared to those who did not at all.
What It Mean to Mesothelioma Patients?
Although many studies support the link between side effects and ICI efficacy, it does not mean these reactions are necessary for ICIs to work. Mesothelioma patients should not despair if they do not experience side effects, as these reactions are not a definitive indicator of treatment success. It is crucial to report any side effects to healthcare providers promptly to manage them effectively and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Immunotherapy has given new hope to all mesothelioma patients, offering the potential for longer life and better quality of life. While some side effects may show that the treatment is working, patients need to stay in close communication with their healthcare providers. By so doing, they can manage side effects effectively and even optimize their treatment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that allows the immune system to fight cancer. It uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to improve or even restore immune system function.
What are immune checkpoint inhibitors?
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy that block the proteins that stop the immune system from attacking cancer cells. This help your immune system to target and even kill cancer cells more effectively.
Does immunotherapy have any side effects?
Yes, immunotherapy can cause side effects, like immune-related adverse events (irAEs) where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, which can lead to symptoms that are closely similar to autoimmune disorders.
Are all side effects of immunotherapy a sign of treatment success?
Not necessarily. While some side effects may indicate that the treatment is working, it is essential to report all side effects to healthcare providers to ensure they are managed appropriately and do not become severe.
What a mesothelioma patients do if they experience side effects from immunotherapy?
Mesothelioma patients should promptly report any side effects to their healthcare providers. This will propel a swift management of reactions and even help optimize the treatment plan to improve outcomes
