What is the Role of Immunotherapy in Treating Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women globally. With advancements in medical science, treatment options have become more diverse and targeted.
Among the most promising innovations is immunotherapy, a treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. While traditionally used in cancers like melanoma and lung cancer, immunotherapy is now playing an increasingly important role in treating certain types of breast cancer.
If you’re exploring modern treatment options, consulting a breast cancer specialist in Noida can provide the right guidance and access to advanced therapies like immunotherapy.
Understanding Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy works by enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Normally, cancer cells can hide from the immune system by using special proteins to shut down immune responses.
Immunotherapy drugs, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, block these proteins, allowing immune cells (particularly T-cells) to detect and kill cancer cells more effectively.
There are several types of immunotherapy, including:
- Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors)
- Cancer vaccines
- Adoptive cell therapy (e.g., CAR-T cell therapy)
- Monoclonal antibodies
Among these, checkpoint inhibitors have shown the most promise for certain breast cancer patients, particularly those with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Immunotherapy and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype that does not express oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or HER2 protein, making it unresponsive to many targeted hormonal therapies.
However, research has shown that TNBC tends to have more immune cells around the tumour, making it more likely to respond to immunotherapy.
Checkpoint inhibitors like atezolizumab and pembrolizumab have been approved for use in TNBC, especially when combined with chemotherapy. These drugs help “release the brakes” on the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer more effectively.
When is Immunotherapy Recommended?
Immunotherapy is not suitable for all breast cancer patients. Its use is typically considered in cases where:
- The cancer is triple-negative
- There is a high presence of immune cells around the tumour (known as tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes)
- The cancer expresses high levels of PD-L1 protein
- The disease is in a metastatic or advanced stage
A comprehensive diagnostic workup is required before immunotherapy can be initiated. This includes PD-L1 testing, genetic profiling, and a detailed clinical history.
Benefits of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy offers several advantages for eligible breast cancer patients:
- Targeted Action: It works specifically on the immune system, reducing damage to healthy cells.
- Durable Response: Some patients experience long-lasting remission even after treatment ends.
- Combination Potential: It can be effectively combined with chemotherapy or other treatments to enhance outcomes.
However, like all treatments, it also comes with potential side effects such as fatigue, skin rashes, flu-like symptoms, or autoimmune reactions. These side effects are generally manageable under the supervision of an experienced oncologist.
Role of a Specialist in Delivering Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a complex and evolving field, requiring deep expertise for its successful implementation. This is where the guidance of an experienced cancer specialist becomes crucial.
Dr. Kanuj Malik, a highly respected surgical oncologist with 14 years of experience in the field, has been at the forefront of adopting advanced cancer treatment protocols, including immunotherapy.
His deep understanding of breast cancer biology and modern treatment approaches ensures that patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique cancer profile.
Patients in and around Noida have greatly benefited from Dr. Malik’s dedication to excellence. As a trusted breast cancer specialist in Noida, he has helped numerous patients explore cutting-edge treatments like immunotherapy, leading to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
The Future of Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer
Research in immunotherapy for breast cancer is rapidly evolving. Clinical trials are ongoing to explore its effectiveness in other subtypes of breast cancer beyond TNBC. Scientists are also investigating biomarkers that can better predict who will benefit most from these therapies.
Moreover, the integration of immunotherapy with personalized medicine, such as genomic testing and AI-based prediction models, is opening new avenues for treatment customization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is immunotherapy effective for all types of breast cancer?
No, immunotherapy is currently most effective for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and in cases where the tumour has high PD-L1 expression. Its use in other subtypes is still under investigation in clinical trials.
Q2. How is immunotherapy administered?
Immunotherapy is usually given intravenously (IV) in a hospital or clinic setting. The frequency and dosage depend on the specific drug and the patient’s treatment plan.
Q3. What are the common side effects of immunotherapy in breast cancer patients?
Some common side effects include fatigue, skin rash, fever, nausea, and inflammation-related issues. Rarely, it can lead to autoimmune complications, which require prompt medical attention.
Conclusion
Immunotherapy is revolutionizing the way certain types of breast cancer are treated. While it may not be suitable for every patient, it offers a new beacon of hope for those with aggressive or treatment-resistant forms of the disease. Consulting a seasoned expert is vital to understanding whether this therapy is the right choice.
If you’re looking for expert advice and cutting-edge cancer care, Dr. Kanuj Malik, a leading breast cancer specialist in Noida, can provide the insights and treatments you need to make informed decisions on your journey to recovery.
His commitment to innovation and compassionate care continues to bring light to patients battling breast cancer with strength and resilience.
Qure Clinic
Address – Shop No 143 1st floor, Cleo Street, near CLEO COUNTY, Sector 121, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201301
Email – kanujmalik03@rediff.com
Phone – +91 9315430568
Monday To Saturday – 9:00AM–9:00PM
Sunday closed
Google Map Location Listing – https://g.co/kgs/BfrTkmW
