Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are two types of cancer treatments that are often used in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy involves the use of drugs that stimulate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells, while targeted therapy involves the use of drugs that specifically target cancer cells based on their genetic makeup. While these treatments can be effective in treating cancer, they can also cause side effects. In this answer, we will discuss the side effects of immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Side Effects of Immunotherapy:
The side effects of immunotherapy can vary depending on the type of drug used, the dose, and the individual patient’s health. Some of the most common side effects of immunotherapy include:
Fatigue: This is a common side effect of immunotherapy and can be caused by the drugs used to stimulate the immune system.
Skin reactions: Immunotherapy can cause skin reactions such as rashes, itching, and blisters. These reactions are usually mild and can be treated with topical creams or antihistamines.
Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting as a result of immunotherapy. These symptoms can usually be managed with anti-nausea medications.
Diarrhea: Immunotherapy can cause diarrhea, which can be mild or severe. Patients may need to adjust their diet and take medications to manage this side effect.
Fever: Some patients may experience fever as a result of immunotherapy. This is usually a mild side effect and can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
Changes in blood pressure: Immunotherapy can cause changes in blood pressure, which can be monitored and managed by a healthcare provider.
Shortness of breath: Some patients may experience shortness of breath as a result of immunotherapy. This can be a serious side effect and should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
Allergic reactions: Some patients may experience allergic reactions to immunotherapy. These reactions can range from mild to severe and may require immediate medical attention.
Autoimmune disorders: Immunotherapy can sometimes cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy cells, leading to autoimmune disorders such as thyroid problems, colitis, and pneumonitis.
Infusion reactions: Immunotherapy is usually given through an IV infusion, which can sometimes cause reactions such as fever, chills, and low blood pressure.
Side Effects of Targeted Therapy:
Like immunotherapy, the side effects of targeted therapy can vary depending on the type of drug used, the dose, and the individual patient’s health. Some of the most common side effects of targeted therapy include:
Fatigue: Targeted therapy can cause fatigue, which can be managed with rest and exercise.
Skin reactions: Targeted therapy can cause skin reactions such as rashes, dryness, and acne. These reactions can usually be managed with topical creams or lotions.
Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting as a result of targeted therapy. These symptoms can usually be managed with anti-nausea medications.
Diarrhea: Targeted therapy can cause diarrhea, which can be mild or severe. Patients may need to adjust their diet and take medications to manage this side effect.
Liver problems: Some targeted therapy drugs can cause liver problems, which can be monitored with blood tests.
High blood pressure: Some targeted therapy drugs can cause high blood pressure, which can be monitored and managed by a healthcare provider.
Blood clotting problems: Some targeted therapy drugs can cause blood clotting problems, which can be monitored with blood tests and managed with medication.
Heart problems: Some targeted therapy drugs can cause heart problems, which can be monitored with EKGs and other tests.
Lung problems: Some targeted therapy drugs can cause lung problems, such as pneumonitis, which can be monitored with chest x-rays and other tests.
Allergic reactions: Some patients may experience allergic reactions to targeted therapy drugs. These reactions can range from mild to severe and may require immediate medical attention.
Conclusion:
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are two types of cancer treatments that can be effective in treating cancer, but they can also cause side effects. Patients should be aware of the potential side effects of these treatments and should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers can monitor patients for side effects and provide appropriate treatment to manage them.
