Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment
Everything your family needs to know
What is Immunotherapy?
The immune system helps your child’s body to fight off bacteria, viruses and other organisms that can cause diseases. Typically, the immune system recognizes a foreign invader and works to destroy it, but cancer cells are harder for the immune system to recognize. Immunotherapy helps your child’s immune system strengthen its ability to detect and destroy cancer cells or stop their growth.
Immunotherapy is often used to treat particular cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia and kidney cancer. It is not usually a first-line treatment. It is more commonly used when another form of treatment has not cured the cancer. Patients usually receive immunotherapy treatment along with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
How will my child receive immunotherapy?
Your child’s doctor will decide the best way to deliver the treatment:
- Through a vein (intravenously)
- By mouth (orally) as a pill or liquid
Where my child will get their treatment
Our goal is to decrease the stress as much as possible for your child and family, during your cancer treatment journey. You will find our Day Treatment unit a welcoming location featuring private family rooms with large windows overlooking a garden terrace. Within this comforting environment, your child can receive infusions or treatments while being close to you. This family-focused approach ensures that the physical and emotional needs of your child are fully met during their cancer treatment.
Types of chemo treatments and their location types
- “Short” chemotherapy – Clinic
- “Medium” chemotherapy – Day Hospital (Day Treatment)
- “Long” chemotherapy – Overnight hospital
What side effects will my child have?
Side effects vary based on the type of immunotherapy treatment being used and the cancer being treated. Common side effects include: fever, nausea and vomiting, skin rashes, headaches and hormone changes. In general, you can expect a mix of good and bad days for your child while they receive their immunotherapy treatments. Part of our treatment plan is to lessen the bad side effects as much as possible so your child can have relief and you can have peace of mind.
Our providers
- Jason Glover, M.D.
- Colette Lauhan, M.D.
- Janice Olson, M.D., MHA, clinical director
- Kelsie Storm, M.D.
Our nurses specialize in care and compassion
All of our nurse practitioners are specially trained in childhood cancers, which means you can rely on them for care and understanding as your child goes through cancer treatment.
- Patricia D. Vrooman, R.N., MSN, CPNP, CPON
Clinical Trials
We will never stop fighting until there is a cure for all cancers. That’s why we actively participate in clinical trials, which incorporate innovative medicines and treatments leading to higher cure rates for many childhood cancers and fewer side effects along the way. We collaborate with and consult experts around the globe to identify the most effective treatment for your child's condition. As a member of the Children's Oncology Group, we offer the latest trial protocols that represent the best care available. Please visit our clinical trials page to see our current trials.
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