Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. When NSCLC is diagnosed, one of the first questions a doctor might ask is whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

If this has not happened, the doctor might recommend surgery to remove the tumor. If it has, the doctor might recommend chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Immune System’s Role in Fighting Cancer

The immune system plays an important role in fighting cancer. The immune system is made up of different cells and organs that work together to protect the body from infections and diseases, including cancer.

White blood cells are a key part of the immune system. There are many different types of white blood cells, each with its own function in the immune system. Some white blood cells kill cancer cells directly. Others help other parts of the immune system fight cancer.

Immunotherapy and NSCLC

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer.

Immunotherapy works by either boosting the immune system’s natural ability to fight cancer or by using immune cells that are grown in a laboratory to target cancer cells.

There are several immunotherapy treatments that are used to treat NSCLC. These include:.

Checkpoint inhibitors: Checkpoint inhibitors block proteins on immune cells that can stop the immune system from attacking cancer cells.
Cytokines: Cytokines are molecules that help the immune system communicate.
T-cell therapy: T-cell therapy uses immune cells that are grown in a laboratory to target cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines: Cancer vaccines are designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Side Effects of Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can cause side effects. Side effects can vary depending on the type of immunotherapy used. Common side effects include:.

Fatigue
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite

In rare cases, immunotherapy can cause more serious side effects, such as:.

Liver problems
Lung problems
Kidney problems
Heart problems
Nerve problems

Combination Therapy in NSCLC

Combination therapy is the use of two or more treatments to treat cancer. Combination therapy is often used in NSCLC. The goal of combination therapy is to increase the effectiveness of treatment and to reduce the risk of resistance to treatment.

Combination therapy might involve chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Researchers are also studying combinations of immunotherapy drugs to see if they work better together than they do alone.

The Future of Immunotherapy in NSCLC

Immunotherapy has the potential to be an important treatment option for NSCLC. Researchers are working to develop new immunotherapy treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects.

One area of research is the development of personalized cancer vaccines. Personalized cancer vaccines are designed to trigger an immune response that targets the specific cancer cells in a patient’s body.

Research has shown that personalized cancer vaccines can be effective in treating some types of cancer, including NSCLC. Researchers are also studying the use of gene editing technology to modify immune cells to fight cancer.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy is an important treatment option for NSCLC. The immune system plays an important role in fighting cancer, and immunotherapy can help boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.

Combination therapy is a common approach to treating NSCLC, and researchers are working to develop new immunotherapy treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects. Patients with NSCLC should talk to their doctors about their treatment options, including immunotherapy.