Immunotherapy as Alternative Cancer Treatment
New cancer research shows promising results with immunotherapy as an alternative to traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The study found that nearly 80% of patients with various types of cancer were successfully treated with immunotherapy, leading to no evidence of cancer without the need for surgery or chemo.
Key Points
- Immunotherapy successfully treated 100% of rectal cancer patients in the trial
- Checkpoint inhibitors unmask tumor cells, making it easier for the immune system to fight cancer
- Immunotherapy-only approach has been incorporated into treatment guidelines by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Pros
- High success rate in treating various types of cancer
- Avoids the side effects of traditional treatments like surgery, chemo, and radiation
- Improves quality of life for patients
Cons
- Not all patients responded to immunotherapy
- Some patients still required surgery post-therapy