How is Immunotherapy Administered?

How is Immunotherapy Administered?

Since immunotherapy works in many different ways, your doctor has several options for administering it. The three most common ways of administering immunotherapy are:

• Into your vein (IV)
• Oral
• On your skin

Each type of immunotherapy has an administration schedule. You may receive treatment daily, weekly, or monthly. The method of administration depends on the treatment and type of cancer. Some treatments must be delivered via an IV, while others can be taken orally for greater convenience. Your doctor at Cochise Oncology will explain how your immunotherapy will be administered and how often you will have treatment. 

How Does Immunotherapy Work?

Immunotherapy works by helping the immune system recognize, identify, and attack cancer cells. The immune system naturally finds and eliminates damaged cells, but cancer cells develop the ability to avoid being targeted. Immunotherapy can work in many ways, including:

• Using antibodies that attach to cancer cells and draw the immune system’s attention
• Modifying T cells to make them more active against cancer cells
• Enhancing overall immune system activity
• Using a treatment vaccine to teach the immune system to see cancer cells
• Letting the immune system works more strongly against cancer cells

Tests, including genetic testing, will identify potential weaknesses in cancer cells. Your doctor will design a treatment plan based on these results. Your plan might include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or any combination.