Kidney Cancer Immunotherapy
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Immunotherapy for Kidney Cancer
Your care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) may use a variety of immune-based treatments to destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy (also known as biotherapy) is a powerful treatment option for kidney cancer, especially kidney cancer that has metastasized.
Cancer immunotherapy involves using your own immune system to destroy cancer cells. At CTCA, we use two primary types of immunotherapy to treat kidney cancer:
- Interferon-Alpha: Interferon-alpha is a protein that is found naturally in the body. It can help slow or stop cancer cells from dividing, and cause them to become defenseless against the immune system. During this type of kidney cancer immunotherapy treatment, you are given extra interferon-alpha via injection. These injections can be self-administered.
- Interleukin-2: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a natural protein that stimulates the growth of immune cells and activates them to destroy tumor cells. IL-2 is typically given to metastatic kidney cancer patients intravenously. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms, low blood pressure, nausea and diarrhea.
We proactively work with you to manage side effects of all kidney cancer treatments, including immunotherapy. Our naturopathic medicine and pain management teams use a variety of therapies to support your well-being on all fronts throughout your treatment.
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