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What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapyis a type of biological treatment that uses the person’s own immune system to fight cancer. The immune system consists of white blood cells and other organs and tissues of the lymph system that helps your body fight infections and other diseases. Consult with Best Medical Oncologist in Kalyan Nagar

How does immunotherapy work against cancer?

Immunotherapy: How the Immune System Fights Cancer

Normally, in a healthy body, the immune system detects and destroys abnormal cells. Immune cells are found in and around tumors sometimes and this is a good sign. This shows that the patient’s immune system is fighting the abnormal cancer cells. These cells are called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or TILs.

But even with the presence of these immune system cells, the cancer cells can grow. Some of the reasons for this are-

  1. Cancer cells have undergone some genetic changes that make them invisible to the immune system.

  2. Cancer cells have certain proteins on their surface that can make immune cells less effective.

  3. Cancer cells can make the normal cells around the tumour to interfere with the normal functioning of the immune system.

In such cases, immunotherapy helps the immune system to better fight against cancer.

What are the types of immunotherapy?

There are different types of immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors :

Drugs administered to cancer patients to block immune checkpoints. Our body has these immune checkpoints normally to stop the immune system from responding strongly. Immune checkpoint inhibitors allow immune cells to respond more strongly than normally to fight the cancer cells.

T-cell transfer therapy:

As the name suggests, this therapy helps the T-cells to fight the cancer cells in a more effective manner. In this treatment ( also known as adoptive immunotherapy or adoptive cell therapy ), immune cells are taken from your tumour. This therapy involves retrieving the healthy cells from your tumour that are highly effective in fighting the cancer cells. These cells are grown and made more effective in a lab and then re-introduced back into the body.

Therapeutic antibodies:

This is a type of immunotherapy that involves lab designed immune system proteins that can bind to cancer cells. In some cases, the monoclonal antibodies are designed to make the cancer cells more conspicuous so that they will be more visible to the body’s immune system.

Treatment vaccines: These vaccines are not the same as the vaccines used to prevent diseases. They are used to boost the patient’s immune system to fight against cancer cells.

Immune system modulators: These modulators can be designed to either help boost specific areas of the immune system or the whole immune system.

How is immunotherapy given?

The various types of immunotherapy may be given in different ways.

  • Intravenous (IV)

The immunotherapy goes directly into a vein.

  • Oral

The immunotherapy comes in pills or capsules that patients can swallow.

  • Topical

This tropical way involves application of simple cream on the body and can be used for early cancer.

  • Intravesical

The immunotherapy drugs goes directly into the bladder.

Where do you go for immunotherapy?

Patients can undergo immunotherapy treatment in a doctor’s clinic or outpatient unit in a hospital depending on the type. It does not require the patient to stay in the hospital.

To undergo immunotherapy treatment contact Dr Murali Subramanian, Best Immunotherapy Doctor in Bangalore

How often do patients need immunotherapy?

The treatment process of immunotherapy and the time period will depend on the following factors.

  • Type of cancer

  • Stage of cancer

  • Type of immunotherapy

  • The body’s response to treatment

Immunotherapy may be given in cycles. A cycle in any treatment refers to a period of treatment followed by a period of rest. The rest period is necessary to give your body a chance to recover.

How can you tell if immunotherapy is working?

Doctors, trained to work on immunotherapy can tell you if this particular mode of treatment is helping or not. If the doctor observes that immunotherapy techniques are yielding good results in fighting cancer then they will conduct frequent examinations and medical tests to assess the size of the tumour.

Further research on immunotherapy techniques will help the medical team get a better understanding of how cancer cells  the immune system could lead to the development of new drugs that block those processes with Best Cancer Doctor in Kalyan Nagar

Book your appointment with Dr. Murali Subramanian– Today:+91 9880522891 for Best Immunotherapy Doctor in Bangalore or Check out our Facebookpage!





Introduction:

Gastrointestinal cancers, including those affecting the stomach, colon, and rectum, can be challenging to manage. Alongside medical treatments, adopting a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in supporting overall health and optimizing the management of these cancers. In this blog post, we will explore the foods that are beneficial for individuals with gastrointestinal cancers, as well as the ones that should be avoided to promote better outcomes and enhance well-being.


Foods to Choose:

1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Opt for colorful options such as berries, leafy greens, carrots, and citrus fruits to boost your immune system and support overall health.


2. Whole Grains: Opt for whole grain products like oats, quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat bread. These fiber-rich foods aid in digestion, regulate bowel movements, and provide sustained energy throughout the day.


3. Lean Proteins: Opt for lean protein sources such as skinless poultry, fish, legumes, and tofu. These options are low in saturated fats and provide essential amino acids necessary for tissue repair and maintenance.


4. Healthy Fats: Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, are an essential part of a balanced diet for managing gastrointestinal cancers. These fats provide essential nutrients, support inflammation reduction, and contribute to overall heart health.


5. Herbal Teas: Herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, and peppermint can provide soothing effects on the digestive system and alleviate discomfort.


Consult: Best Medical Oncologist in Kalyangar, Bangalore

Foods to Avoid:

1. Processed and Red Meats: Minimize the consumption of processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon, as well as red meats like beef, pork, and lamb. These foods have been associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers and can be harder to digest.


2. Sugary and High-Fat Foods: Limit the intake of sugary snacks, desserts, and beverages as they offer little nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain. Similarly, avoid high-fat foods such as fried items and fatty cuts of meat, as they can be difficult for the digestive system to handle.


3. Spicy and Acidic Foods: Spicy and acidic foods may cause discomfort, especially if you are experiencing digestive issues. Examples include hot peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar. Consider reducing or eliminating these foods from your diet or consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.


4. Alcohol and Caffeine: Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the digestive system and increase the risk of certain cancers. Limit alcohol intake or avoid it altogether. Additionally, caffeine can act as a diuretic and may contribute to dehydration, so moderate its consumption as well.


Conclusion:

While diet alone cannot cure gastrointestinal cancers, it can play a significant role in supporting treatment and overall well-being. By choosing fresh, nutritious foods and avoiding those that can exacerbate symptoms or increase risks, individuals can optimize their nutritional intake and improve their quality of life. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations that suit your specific needs and health condition. Choosing Top Cancer doctor in Bangalorecan help you to improve your quality of life.