ImmunotherapyStimulating the body's own immune response to fight disease.... Full Definition activates the body’s own immune system to fight cancerCancer is a group of diseases where cells grow abnormally an... Full Definition. Doctors use immunotherapy drugs to help the immune system identify cancer cells and attack them, akin to a vaccine.
Who is this treatment best for?
Men with metastatic prostate cancer that is not responding to hormone therapy. A medical oncologist can help determine if a patient is a good match for immunotherapy.
What to Expect
Immunotherapy drugs are made using a patient’s own immune cells using a special process, so not all medical centers offer this therapy. The drugs are typically administered as infusions over a six-week period and can extend life and quality of life for patients. A common brand of immunotherapy for prostate cancer is called Provenge® (sipuleucel-T).
Who orders or performs the treatment?
What are common side effects?
Men may experience side effects similar to those of a flu shot, such as chills, fever, fatigue, back pain, and nausea. Other side effects may occur.