Immunotherapy can undoubtedly be considered as a new ray of hope in the area of cancer treatment. In this treatment strategy, the cancer specialists will employ certain drugs to boost the patient’s immune system. This will enable the immune system to destroy the cancer cells successfully. Many renowned hospitals offer cancer immunotherapy Singapore treatment to patients. One such reputable cancer clinic is Novena Cancer Centre. The expert medical specialists at this hospital will examine the condition of the patients thoroughly, and will devise the best treatment techniques. Keep on reading to understand how immunotherapy can be used for treating colon cancer.
Colon Cancer symptoms will depend upon the location of the cancer, as well as its size. Listed below are some of the most common symptoms of colon cancer.
- Weakness
- Changes in bowel habits
- Cramps and pain in the belly area
- Rectal bleeding
- A feeling that bowel doesn’t empty all the way
- Weight loss
Certain factors might increase the risk of this cancer, and they are enumerated below.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking, and drinking alcohol
- Diet that is high in fat, and low in fiber .
- Family history of colon cancer
- Familial adenomatous polyposis, and Lynch syndrome.
Immunotherapy For Colon Cancer
Individuals experiencing any of the colon cancer symptoms discussed above should seek medical attention at the earliest. Different treatment techniques can be employed for the management of colon cancer, and immunotherapy is one of them. Immunotherapy drugs called checkpoint inhibitors are commonly employed for treating colon cancer.
When Can Checkpoint Inhibitors Be Used?
Checkpoint inhibitors can be employed for treating colon cancer during the following scenarios.
- The cancer is too large to remove with the help of surgery.
- Colon cancer that has recurred after prior treatment.
- Colon cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.
Commonly Used Checkpoint Inhibitors
Checkpoint Inhibitors can be of different types, and the ones that are used for treating colon cancer are listed below.
1. PD-1 inhibitors
a. Keytruda® (pembrolizumab)
It is employed for treating advanced colon cancers.
Nivolumab is employed for managing colon cancers that have spread after the initial treatment.
c. Jemperli® (dostarlimab)
Nivolumab is employed for managing colon cancers that have spread after the initial treatment.
c. Jemperli® (dostarlimab)
It is used for managing recurrent or metastatic colon cancers.
2. CTLA-4 inhibitors
a. Yervoy
It is a CTLA-4 inhibitor that is given as an infusion with nivolumab for managing colon cancer.
Side Effects Of This Treatment Strategy
Some of the common side effects of immunotherapy treatment include the ones listed below.
- Itching
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Skin rashes
- Loss of appetite
Conclusion
We have discussed in detail regarding the treatment of colon cancer using cancer immunotherapy Singapore. This is a very efficient treatment strategy that cancer specialists use for eradicating colon cancer. At Novena Cancer Centre, patients suffering from colon cancer, as well as other types of cancers are offered comprehensive and compassionate care.