Immunotherapy Flashcards
1
Q
How does immunotherapy for cancer work?
A
Can activate the host immune response, induce an immune response or respond to a specific antigen
2
Q
How do monoclonal antibodies work?
What is an example?
A
Bind to antigen on cancer cell surface to prevent further proliferation
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)
3
Q
How do checkpoint inhibitors work?
A
Some cancer cells have the ability to deactivate T cells. Checkpoint inhibitors block the protein that does this therefore meaning T cells can function again
4
Q
What are some side effects of checkpoint inhibitors and how are they managed?
A
Because the drugs boost the immune system, side effects are generally autoimmune and therefore managed with CORTICOSTEROIDS
- diarrhoea
- dermatitis
- hypothyroid, adrenal
- hepatitis
- pneumonitis
