Immunotherapy
Talk to your team at the Adventist HealthCare Cancer Centers about your options for immunotherapy—one of the most advanced types of treatment available. By partnering with the experts at Maryland Oncology Hematology, we can offer immunotherapy as part of the comprehensive services provided at the White Oak Cancer Center and the Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center.
What Is Immunotherapy?
Also known as biological therapy or biotherapy, immunotherapy uses your body’s immune system to fight cancer. It helps your immune system find and attack cancer cells. It’s usually given intravenously during infusion therapy.
Treatment Tailored to You
Physicians at Maryland Oncology Hematology within the Adventist HealthCare Cancer Centers prescribe immunotherapy for many cancers. If your doctor determines it’s a good option for you, we’ll tailor treatment to your type of cancer and its genomic profile.
Types of Immunotherapy
Depending on your condition, you may receive:
- Cancer vaccines – Prevent and treat cancer
- Colony-stimulating factors – Encourage your body to make blood cells to boost your immune system
- Interferons or interleukins – Improve how your immune system responds to some cancers
- Monoclonal antibodies, or targeted therapy – Gives you lab-grown antibodies that kill cancer or stop its growth
- Nonspecific immunotherapies – Boost your immune system so it makes more antibodies to fight cancer and infections
Infusion Therapy Amenities
If you receive immunotherapy via infusion (IV, or through a vein), your treatment will take place in a quiet, healing space. You’ll appreciate:
- Access to a private room with a bed, if needed
- Comfortable reclining chairs
- Educational materials and books
- Free parking
- Individual flat-screen televisions with cable channels
- Snacks
Immunotherapy Side Effects
Like all cancer treatments, immunotherapy can cause some side effects. You may experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, or fatigue. Ask your nurse for help relieving these side effects, which go away after treatment ends.
