About Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer
These medications slow the growth and spread of cancer by activating the body鈥檚 immune system to fight disease. Immunotherapy treatments are the newest class of anti-cancer drugs. Some are available for treatment today; others are being developed and will be available for treatment soon.
Conditions treated with immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is more effective for some cancers than others and may work better in combination with other drug therapies like chemotherapy.
Certain immunotherapies activate the body鈥檚 T cells. A T cell is a subtype of certain white blood cells called a lymphocyte that helps power the immune system. A protein called PD-1 is found on the surface of T cells and acts as a barrier to keep the T cells from fighting disease. Immunotherapy turns off this barrier to activate the T cells. So far, immunotherapy has played a particularly promising role in metastatic or recurrent cancers in various parts of the body.
Types of immunotherapy for bladder cancer
The primary types of immunotherapy include:
- Monoclonal antibodies听These are man-made copies of proteins that naturally occur in the immune system. Antibodies can be designed to attack specific parts on cancer cells to weaken the cells and cause them to die.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors:听These drugs remove immune system controls and free the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Cancer vaccines:听Vaccines cause an immune response against certain diseases. We usually think of vaccines as medications prescribed to fight infections like measles or the flu. Some vaccines can help prevent or treat cancer.
Possible side effects of immunotherapy
Side effects vary depending on the type of drug and the dose. Your doctor will discuss the specific medications you will be taking, their side effects, and ways to manage them.
Most side effects go away after your treatment ends. The most common side effects that you may experience include:
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, body aches
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
Stanford Health Library
For confidential help with your health care questions, contact the Stanford Health Library. Professional medical librarians and trained volunteers can help you access journals, books, e-books, databases, and videos to learn more about medical conditions, treatment options, and related issues.
- 875 Blake Wilbur Drive, Palo Alto: First floor near the cafe, 650-736-1960
- South Bay Cancer Center: 2589 Samaritan Drive, third floor lobby, 408-353-0197
Email us your questions: healthlibrary@stanfordhealthcare.org
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Current as of: 2/2020
Stanford Health Education, 2020