About Your Immunotherapy at MSK

In this video, we'll explain what immunotherapy is and what to expect while

you're getting immunotherapy at MSK. 

Immunotherapy, sometimes called biotherapy, is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. Immunotherapy can be given alone or with other treatments.

Your immune system is your body's defense system. It protects you from germs like bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. It can also kill cancer cells. But sometimes cancer cells can hide from your immune system, making it hard for your body to fight them. 

Immunotherapy uses special medicines to help your immune system find and attack cancer cells. There are different types of immunotherapies.

One type is monoclonal antibodies. These are special antibodies that target cancer cells directly. Antibodies are proteins your body makes to fight off germs. 

Another type is checkpoint inhibitors. These help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by blocking messages that stop immune cells from working. 

Another type are cytokines. These boost your immune systems overall activity. 

Immunotherapy is given in specific time periods. Your care team will talk with you about your schedule.

The goal of immunotherapy is to use your immune system to kill as many cancer cells as possible while causing the least harm to normal cells. Immunotherapy helps control or get rid of the cancer. But immunotherapy can also make your immune system attack your body. This is what causes side effects.

Common side effects include feeling weakness and fatigue, appetite loss, feeling nauseous, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, and itchy or dry skin or rash. Most people don't have all of these, and most side effects go away after your treatment ends. 

Immune related side effects are a group of side effects you may get from immunotherapy. They're sometimes called IR side effects. These side effects may start out as mild but can become very bad. Immune related side effects can happen right away or up to 2 years after treatment ends. Your care team will explain these side effects and what to watch for. Immune related side effects can affect different parts of your body including your lungs, muscles and joints, liver, colon, pancreas, eyes, and brain. They also can affect glands such as your thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands. If you have any side effects, you'll likely feel them hours or days after your appointment, not right away.

Many immunotherapy treatment plans include medicines to help prevent side effects. These can be premeds, medicines you get before you get immunotherapy, and supportive medicines, medicines you can take at home to manage side effects.

The side effects you may have depends on your cancer diagnosis and the type of immunotherapy you get. Your care team will go over your treatment plan. They'll let you know what side effects you may have, how long they may last, and how to manage them. 

Watch the video, what to expect during your treatment at MSK's infusion units by visiting msk.org/pe and search for infusion unit video. This video shows what you can expect during your appointment at an MSK infusion unit. 

Based on your treatment, you may be at the infusion unit for most of the day. Some treatments last up to 12 hours. Talk with your care team about how long you can expect to be there.

Remember to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment. We have blankets you can use, but you can bring a non-electric blanket if you want. 

It's best to bring responsible care partner, such as a family member or friend, to stay with you and take you home after your treatment. Bring a notebook with any questions you may have. 

It's a good idea to bring snacks or a meal to your appointment. You should also bring things to help pass the time before and during your treatment. There are TVs in the infusion unit, but feel free to bring your laptop or any other devices. 

After your treatment, you'll have many support services available to you at MSK. These include social workers, spiritual counselors, and clinical dietician nutritionists. If you would like to make an appointment with a clinical dietitian nutritionist, talk with your nurse or care coordinator. To see a full list of MSK's support services, visit msk.org/pe/support. org/pe/support or ask your nurse for more information about support services. Online support groups are also available through msk. To learn more about these and see a schedule, visit msk.org/vp. 

Once you're at home, go over any educational resources your care team gave you. Call your healthcare provider if you have a fever of 100.4° 4° F, 38° C or higher, chills or shaking, mouth sores or mouth pain that makes it hard to swallow, eat, or drink. You should also call your healthcare provider if you have loose, watery poop four or more times in 24 hours, even after taking medicine to help. If you have not pooped or passed gas for more than 3 days. If you have blood in your urine, poop, throw up, or when you cough, or if you throw up or feel like you're going to throw up even after taking medicine to help. 

If you have signs of infection such as sore throat, a new cough, feeling burning when you pee, or redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around your surgical cut or central line, any new rashes, new joint pain, or swelling at joints, call your healthcare provider. 

If you have any questions, contact your healthcare provider. You can also visit msk.org/pe org/pe to search for educational resources, videos, and online programs.