Question 1

what is the possible advantage that immunotherapy might have over chemo?

Accepted Answer

More info needed: Immunotherapy is most frequently referred to the treatment to induce tolerance to susbtances that produce allergic symptoms. Many new drugs with  effects in the immune system are being called immunotherapy. Chemo refers to drugs affecting cell metabolism and cause their destruction, usually applied to cancer. Chemotherapy needs be compared to newer drugs for each specific condition to be treated.

Question 2

what are the advantages of immunotherapy over chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Theoretical: Theoretically immune-based therapy such as vaccines may have advantages of "conventional" cytotoxic chemotherapies. Until recently, most immunotherapies were not very effective; however, there are now therapies for melanoma & prostate cancer and active research on other cancers. Not all "chemo" is extremely toxic & some immune therapy is (eg, il-2). Advances in all ca tx's are promising.

Question 3

if a cancer patient chooses regardless of stage and type, and based upon autonomy right, not to have surgery, chemo, radiation, immunotherapy or clinical trials what then happens next for the patient? have you ever heard of this? person goes home?

Accepted Answer

: Patients have a choice to accept or deny any treatment if they are a competent adult. If they want to sit at home and let the cancer kill them it its own time frame, they can and some do. If this choice is made it is important to inform all family members and or friends that may be present at any point. When called, an ambulance will take comatose people to a hospital regardless of their choice.

Question 4

what protein does cancer release to trick the immune system? is cancer more of a long term management now? if caught early? will immunotherapy eventually take over as traditional cancer treatment? or is it possible to utilize chemo where no harm cell

Accepted Answer

Www.sitcancer.org: Everyone’s immune system uses the same method to attack cancer, but the process is more complicated because cancer cells are created by the body. Because of this, the normal ways to find and fight invading cells from outside the body aren’t always effective. If the body can’t tell the difference between the tumor cells and normal cells, the tumor cells may be able to “hide” from the immune system.

Question 5

can keytruda, as an immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer, be part of a chemo protocol at major medical center vs. only available in a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

Join aClinical trial: Keytruda used alone has not shown significant activity. So it is being tested in combination with targeted agents. This is being done as a clinical trial. But you have to go to a cancer Center where there is a Pancreatic Cancer team which has a center for Pancreatic Cancer like in Houston or New York or Nashville(Sarah Cannon cancer Center)

Question 6

my mother is suffering from advanced stage hnscc cancer 
chemotherapy with immunotherapy treatment will be best or not 
please suggest me best treatment for her?

Accepted Answer

Specialist: You must obtain this type of advice from an oncologist with expertise in both treating advanced head and neck cancer and treating patients using immunotherapy.

Question 7

pancolitis abdominal distention without diarrhea. on chemo and immunotherapy. what is treatment plan? distention and pain since march?

Accepted Answer

: There is certainly not enough information here to devise a treatment plan. What is the doctor taking care of you recommend? That doctor knows your whole clinical picture-including history and disease course. So, that doctor is the best one to offer treatment as well as expectations and prognosis. Meet with your doctor to discuss your options. Good luck!

Question 8

could i go from chemo to life suport?

Accepted Answer

It depends: it depends on what kind of Cancer you have and what all has been done for you already. If the chemotherapy has been fully utilized, then it is good to switch over to Palliative care. Life support means different things to different folks.  You should seek a palliative care specialist.

Question 9

can i use steroids while having chemo?

Accepted Answer

Only if prescribed: Steroids such as Dexamethasone are commonly used to prevent allergic reactions or nausea from chemotherapy. So, as long as your doctor has prescribed the steroids, then it is ok. However, do not use steroids that have not been prescribed by your doctor, it can be very dangerous.
Best wishes, 
ariel.

Question 10

do i need chemo for every type of cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: There are at least 1000 different types and most can be early or advanced. The question of which ones are best cmgiven chemotherapeutic occupies the minds of the best scientists

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Doctor answers about:

Immunotherapy vs chemo

A member asked:

What is the possible advantage that immunotherapy might have over chemo?

A member asked:

What are the advantages of immunotherapy over chemotherapy?

A member asked:

If a cancer patient chooses regardless of stage and type, and based upon autonomy right, not to have surgery, chemo, radiation, immunotherapy or clinical trials what then happens next for the patient? have you ever heard of this? person goes home?

A member asked:

What protein does cancer release to trick the immune system? is cancer more of a long term management now? if caught early? will immunotherapy eventually take over as traditional cancer treatment? or is it possible to utilize chemo where no harm cell

A member asked:

Can keytruda, as an immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer, be part of a chemo protocol at major medical center vs. only available in a clinical trial?

A member asked:

My mother is suffering from advanced stage hnscc cancer chemotherapy with immunotherapy treatment will be best or not please suggest me best treatment for her?

A member asked:

Pancolitis abdominal distention without diarrhea. on chemo and immunotherapy. what is treatment plan? distention and pain since march?

A member asked:

Could i go from chemo to life suport?

A member asked:

Can i use steroids while having chemo?

A member asked:

Do i need chemo for every type of cancer?

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