Immunotherapy: A New Hope in Cancer Treatment

Immunotherapy, as a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, is increasingly becoming a source of hope for more and more patients. Both scientific advances and clinical experiences solidify this method’s establishment in cancer treatment. Personalized approaches and combined treatment options represent a new era in the fight against cancer through immunotherapy.

Why Do I Value Immunotherapy So Much?

As an oncologist, I consider immunotherapy to be revolutionary in cancer treatment. In addition to being a beacon of hope for many patients who do not respond to traditional treatments, its relatively fewer side effects and the preservation of the patient’s quality of life make this method unique. The long-term responses obtained with immunotherapies constantly motivate me to improve the lifespan and quality of life of my patients.

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is an innovative treatment method designed to activate the immune system against cancer. The immune system, which does not recognize cancer cells or has difficulty fighting them, is strengthened through immunotherapies, thus becoming more effective in combating cancer.

Why Immunotherapy?

Traditional treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy), while effective in many cases, may be insufficient in situations such as cancer recurrence, metastasis, or treatment resistance. Furthermore, these treatments can cause serious side effects by harming healthy cells. Immunotherapy:

• Selectively targets cancer cells.

• Can provide longer-lasting responses by strengthening the immune system.
  
  

What Cancers and Conditions is it Used For?

Immunotherapy has shown effective results in various types of cancer:

• Lung cancer

• Melanoma

• Renal cell carcinoma

• Bladder cancer

• Head and neck cancers

• Uterine and cervical cancers

• Stomach cancer

• Bile duct cancer

• Intestinal cancer

• Some hematologic cancers

Although rarely used in early stages, it is generally preferred in advanced or metastatic cancers. Immunotherapy can be used as a standalone treatment method or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Combined treatments can increase effectiveness and provide better outcomes.

How is Personalized Immunotherapy Administered?

Immunotherapy can be personalized with the support of genetic and molecular analyses. By examining the genetic profile of tumors and their effects on the immune system, it is determined whether the patient will benefit from immunotherapy. For example, biomarkers such as PD-L1 positivity or MSI-high status indicate that immunotherapy may be effective. In this way, the most appropriate immunotherapy option is offered to each patient, increasing the treatment success rate.