When it comes to cancer treatment, there are various options available depending on the type and stage of cancer. Two of the most common treatments are chemotherapy and immunotherapy. While both of these treatments aim to target and kill cancer cells, they differ in how they work and the side effects they produce. This post will discuss chemotherapy vs immunotherapy and some major differences between them.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that involves the use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally, and they circulate throughout the body, attacking cancer cells wherever they are present. However, chemotherapy drugs can also affect healthy cells that divide rapidly, such as those in the bone marrow, hair follicles, and digestive tract, which can cause side effects like hair loss, fatigue, and nausea.
Despite this, chemotherapy is an important treatment option for many types of cancer and can be combined with other treatments to improve its effectiveness. Learn more about chemotherapy treatment from the Cancer and Blood Disorders Treatment and Infusion Center.
What is Immunotherapy?
In contrast, immunotherapy is a newer type of cancer treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer. The immune system is the body’s natural defense against infections and diseases, including cancer. However, cancer cells can grow and spread unchecked because they can evade the immune system. Immunotherapy drugs help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. There are different types of immunotherapy drugs available, including checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy.
Immunotherapy can produce long-lasting responses in some patients, even those with advanced or metastatic cancers. However, it is not effective for all types of cancers, and some patients may experience side effects such as fatigue, fever, and inflammation.
Chemotherapy vs Immunotherapy: Which is Better?
The choice of chemotherapy vs immunotherapy depends on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the type and stage of cancer, and the potential side effects of each treatment.
Chemotherapy is still a standard treatment for many types of cancer, particularly those that have spread to other parts of the body. However, it is often associated with significant side effects, and newer treatments, such as immunotherapy are being developed to address this.
Immunotherapy is generally less toxic than chemotherapy and can produce durable responses in some patients. However, it is not effective for all types of cancer, and research is ongoing to identify new targets and improve its effectiveness.
In some cases, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy can help maximize the benefits of each treatment. For example, some studies have shown that combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy can improve outcomes in certain types of cancer.
Start Your Cancer Treatment Sessions Today with Cancer and Blood Disorders Treatment and Infusion Center
Cancer and Blood Disorder Treatment and Infusion Center is one of the trusted cancer treatment centers in the world. Led by Dr. Meelu, we are well-equipped with qualified staff that will get you treated as well as offer consultancy services. We provide all chemotherapy and immunotherapy and treat all types of cancer. We also collaborate with other specialists/hospitals to ensure you get the best treatment possible. Contact us today by filling out our online form or call us at 301-638-1007 for more information on chemotherapy vs immunotherapy or to book an appointment.