Tag Archives: Cancer Side Effects

Some Types of Immunotherapy Can Cause Serious Side Effects

Some Types of Immunotherapy Can Cause Serious Side Effects
Some Types of Immunotherapy Can Cause Serious Side Effects

In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two new forms of cancer immunotherapy for use with certain types of blood cancer. While these treatments show great promise, scientists are also working to control their potential side effects.

Cancer Immunotherapy and CAR T-cells

Kymriah from Novartis is designed to treat a form of leukemia known as ALL, which is the most common cancer that affects children. The other new treatment, Kite Pharma’s Yescarta, is for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Both treatments incorporate CAR T-cell therapy, which uses the power of the body’s immune system. Specialized white blood cells known as T-cells are removed from a patient’s body and engineered to include a receptor designed to identify and attack cancer cells. The “new” cells are replicated and reintroduced to the patient’s system.

Dealing with Side Effects

Kymriah and Yescarta are one-time-only procedures that don’t have the common side effects normally associated with chemotherapy and radiation. But scientists have discovered that the treatments have some potential side effects of their own.

CAR T-cell therapy essentially supercharges the immune system, which can result in cytokine-release syndrome. The cells under attack release proteins called cytokines, setting off a massive inflammatory response including extreme fevers and seriously low blood pressure.

Fortunately, the side effects can be managed in a hospital or clinical setting. Researchers are seeking a way to make the therapies useable in a variety of settings.

State-of-the-Art Cancer Immunotherapy from Issels®

Our non-toxic, personalized cancer immunotherapy programs have helped numbers of patients achieve and maintain long-term remission. Contact us to learn more about Issels® and our record of successful cancer treatment.

Tips for Coping with Body Changes While in Cancer Treatment

Coping with Body Changes While in Cancer Treatment
Coping with Body Changes While in Cancer Treatment

While cancer’s most serious impact is on your health, it can also affect the way you look and feel about yourself. Here are some tips on maintaining a positive self-image while undergoing immunotherapy for cancer or other treatment.

Internal and External Changes Caused by Cancer

Everyone’s cancer is different, and so are the side effects you experience. Common body changes, short-term or long-term, include:

Loss of hair

• Scars or other changes in skin

• Fluctuations in weight

• Loss of body parts (limbs, breasts, appendages)

• Loss of fertility

How to Cope with Body Changes

• Grieving is an essential step in dealing with any type of loss. Feeling sad or angry is human, not weak. Give yourself time.

• Coping with cancer can actually have a positive influence on mental and emotional characteristics such as strength and wisdom. Focus on and appreciate the aspects that have improved.

• Be good to yourself. Buy new clothes, experiment with a new hair style or color, try out some different makeup. Continue to take pride in your external appearance and eventually your internal mindset will catch up.

• Stay busy with physical activities, hobbies or volunteering.

• Body changes can cause physical and emotional roadblocks regarding sex and intimacy. Don’t be embarrassed to talk to your doctor for help. These problems can often be resolved.

At Issels®, Each Patient Is Special

We understand that your situation isn’t like that of anyone else. Our immunotherapy for cancer treatments are individually tailored to address your unique needs. Contact us today to learn why Issels® is a leader in state-of-the-art immunotherapy for cancer programs.

Common Digestive Problems during Cancer Treatment, What to Do to Solve Them

Waking from Cancer Related Digestive Issues
Waking from Cancer Related Digestive Issues

Going through cancer treatment can feel as though you’re fighting an uphill battle. Several different kinds of problems may arise during your course of treatment, but there are ways to lessen their effects or eliminate them entirely. Your friends at Issels® have put together a list of three cancer treatment tips that can help you along the way, allowing you to remain comfortable as you get back to feeling better.

  1. Changing Appetites

A decrease in appetite is normal immediately following an intensive round of treatment. Counteracting this might include eating several small meals a day, as well as eating foods with a high caloric value. Staying hydrated is important even if you’re not eating a lot, which usually means drinking lots of water.

  1. Constipation

Fruits, fiber, vegetables and fluids are what you need to consume if you are having constipation problems. Coupled with a lack of appetite, you might find it hard to get your body moving, and in extreme cases you should consult with your doctor about finding a laxative that will work best for you.

  1. Diarrhea

If your bowel movements are too frequent and too loose, you may want to cut down on the foods mentioned above, though you should still be drinking plenty of fluids. Constant diarrhea should be discussed with your doctor, who may put you on a prescription or recommend an over-the-counter medication to help with it.

To find out more about how Issels® can help treat cancer in any stage or for more cancer treatment tips, give us a call at 1-888-447-7357 or use the contact form on our website.