Best Doctor List Near You for Biological Therapy, Immunotherapy in Brookline

Biological therapy, also known as immunotherapy, is a treatment approach that leverages the body's immune system to fight cancer and other diseases. This therapy involves using substances that stimulate or enhance the body's natural immune response to identify and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy can include a range of strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapies. The goal of biological therapy is to specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues, improving the body's ability to recognize and combat tumors. The primary cause for using immunotherapy is to provide an alternative or adjunct to traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, particularly in cases where tumors are resistant to these therapies or when the cancer has spread. It is often used to treat various cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and certain types of leukemia and lymphoma, and can also be explored in other diseases like autoimmune disorders. Despite its potential benefits, immunotherapy is associated with several complications. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and skin rashes. More serious complications may arise from an overactive immune response, leading to autoimmune reactions where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation or damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or endocrine glands. Additionally, some patients may experience severe or life-threatening reactions, such as cytokine release syndrome, which requires prompt medical intervention. Despite these risks, immunotherapy represents a promising and evolving field with the potential to provide significant therapeutic benefits for many patients.