Ailments & Conditions

Immunotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer

Overview of Immunotherapy and How Does It Work for Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Immunotherapy, also known as biologic therapy, is a cancer treatment that makes use of the immune system to identify and target cancerous cells. It injects biologic medications, which are made from natural organisms, intravenously into a vein in the body. These drugs may then trigger the immune system to kill cancerous cells more effectively. During and after this procedure, you will be monitored carefully by your healthcare provider for any possible side effects or severe reactions. [2]

Small cell lung cancer is typically aggressive and grows fast. Most cases tend to go undiagnosed until cancerous cells have spread to other areas in the body. When this occurs, it is known as advanced or extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. In general, cancerous cells may make use of the immune system to stay hidden. Immunotherapy medications work by stimulate the immune system to search and target these cells. Due to its effectiveness, it now becomes the first-line treatment for small cell lung cancer. Your healthcare provider may combine it with some chemotherapy medications, such as cisplatin, carboplatin, or etoposide. [2]