Immunotherapy is a kind of treatment that has had stunning results in some patients with cancers like melanoma, lymphoma, and kidney cancer. Immunotherapy drugs empower the body’s immune system by enabling the body to fight cancer — an approach that can slow or halt cancer in certain patients.
In our latest podcast series, The Science Behind Cancer, we dive into the basics of immunotherapy with the help of Osama Rahma, MD, a medical oncologist at Dana-Farber’s Center for Immuno-Oncology. With Rahma’s help, we explore the different types of immunotherapy, who should be treated with it, how researchers are looking to further develop this treatment, and more.
While some patients with certain cancers have responded well to immunotherapy, Rahma emphasizes that it doesn’t work for everyone. Researchers at Dana-Farber and others around the world are looking at why this is the case — and are also exploring why some cancers eventually become resistant to immunotherapy. Rahma also explains why combination therapy, or the use of more than one type of therapy in treating a patient, is the future of immunotherapy development.
Ultimately, Rahma has a goal: “We are looking to turn cancer into a chronic disease, [in which] immunotherapy can just contain cancer,” he says.
In this episode, we also discuss CAR T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking kind of cellular therapy that uses a patient’s own immune system cells to rally an attack on cancer. CAR T-cell therapy was approved by the FDA for the treatment of adult lymphoma and pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2017. Approvals for additional usages are expected in 2018.
One year ago, as a result of an automobile accident, a CAT SCAN revealed what proved to be a 2.5cm localized renal cancer. After a partial nephretomy, I was released from the hospital without further treatment. In the interim, I have been under the care of a nutritional oncologist – basically a plant diet – and exercise three times a week. Recent CAT SCANS have shown on recurrence or metastisis. I’ve made known my wish to volunteer for clinical trials; genomic or genetic testing, but have not received any encouragement or approval. I live in Putnam County, NY and am 79 very active senior.
Hi Ann,
So sorry for the delay in response. Thank you for your message, and for visiting the Dana-Farber blog.
This link will take you to our Clinical Trials page where you can learn more about the trials being offered at Dana-Farber: http://www.dana-farber.org/Research/Clinical-Trials.aspx.
Additionally, you can also access these link for clinical trials being offered elsewhere:
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center:
http://clinicaltrials.dfhcc.harvard.edu/
http://www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/about-dfhcc/contact-us/
Also suggested, the NCI searchable site:
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search
If you would like to be seen and are able to come to Boston to meet with our Genitourinary treatment team, please call 877-442-3324 or fill out this online appointment request form:
https://www.dana-farber.org/apps/request-an-appointment.aspx
If you are unable to travel to Boston, Dana-Farber offers the Online Second Opinion Program, which allows patients to get an expert second opinion from a Dana-Farber oncologist, without traveling to Boston.
The Online Second Opinion program is secure, convenient, and confidential. The entire process is conducted online – including collecting your records – helping you avoid disruptions to your regular schedule, while also saving on travel and lodging costs in Boston.
These links provide an overview of the process:
http://www.dana-farber.org/Dana-Farber-s-Online-Second-Opinion-Program.aspx (web section)
http://www.grandrounds.com/dana-farber (account open)
Wishing you all the best,
DFCI
How about getting these approvals for additional usages a bit faster, people are dying and these immunotherapy drugs, like Keytruda or CAR-T therapy seems to be working very well for patients. Let’s get moving on these treatments!! ????????