Exon Publications, Brisbane, Australia
Immunotherapy represents an innovative approach to treating breast cancer, leveraging the body's immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments, immunotherapy focuses on enhancing the immune response to cancer, making it particularly promising for aggressive forms such as triple-negative breast cancer. This chapter provides an in-depth guide to immunotherapy for breast cancer, explaining its mechanisms, applications, drugs, administration methods, preparation, effectiveness, and potential side effects. It aims to serve as a valuable resource for patients and their families, helping them understand and navigate the potential of this groundbreaking treatment option.
Keywords: effectiveness of immunotherapy; her2 receptors; how does immunotherapy work ; how is immunotherapy administered for breast cancer; triple-negative breast cancer; what is immunotherapy; when is immunotherapy used for breast cancer
Correspondence: Exon Publications, Brisbane, Australia. books@exonpublications.com
Cite as: Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer. Brisbane (AU): Exon Publications; 2024. Published on 12 Dec.
Doi: https://doi.org/10.36255/immunotherapy-breast-cancer
Copyright: Exon Publications.
License: This article is published under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license (BY-NC-ND 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with a variety of treatment options available, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. Among the latest advancements in treatment is immunotherapy, a promising approach that harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy has shown particular effectiveness in certain subtypes of breast cancer, offering hope to patients who may not respond well to traditional treatments. Understanding immunotherapy and its role in breast cancer care can empower patients to make informed decisions about their treatment options (1–5).
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment designed to enhance or restore the body’s natural ability to fight cancer. It works by stimulating the immune system or by using synthetic components to mimic or enhance the immune response. Unlike treatments that directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy focuses on boosting the immune system’s ability to identify and destroy these cells. For breast cancer, immunotherapy is most commonly used for aggressive types, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks hormone or HER2 receptors, making it more challenging to treat with conventional therapies.
Immunotherapy is typically used for specific types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, particularly when it has spread or become resistant to other treatments. It is often considered when the cancer exhibits certain characteristics, such as high levels of a protein called PD-L1 or mutations in genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2. Immunotherapy may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapies, depending on the cancer's stage and molecular profile. Emerging research continues to explore its potential in other subtypes of breast cancer, including hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive cases.
Several drugs are used in immunotherapy for breast cancer, each targeting different aspects of the immune response. Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) is a PD-L1 inhibitor approved for use in combination with chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer. Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), another immune checkpoint inhibitor, blocks the PD-1 protein to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Clinical trials are also investigating additional drugs, such as nivolumab and ipilimumab, which target other immune pathways. These drugs represent the forefront of immunotherapy, offering new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
Immunotherapy works by enhancing the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, block proteins like PD-L1 and PD-1 that cancer cells use to evade detection by the immune system. By disabling these checkpoints, the immune system can recognize cancer cells as threats and mount a stronger attack against them. Other types of immunotherapy, such as cancer vaccines or adoptive T-cell therapy, work by training the immune system to specifically target breast cancer cells. These mechanisms allow immunotherapy to provide a personalized and potentially less toxic alternative to traditional treatments.
Immunotherapy is typically administered through intravenous infusion, where the drugs are delivered directly into the bloodstream. These infusions are usually given in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by rest to allow the body to recover. The frequency and duration of treatment depend on the specific drug used, the patient’s response, and the overall treatment plan. Immunotherapy is often administered in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to enhance its effectiveness. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the response and manage any side effects.
Before starting immunotherapy, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether they are suitable candidates for the treatment. This includes tests to assess the cancer’s molecular profile, such as PD-L1 expression or BRCA mutation status. Blood tests, imaging studies, and a review of the patient’s overall health are also conducted to identify any potential risks. Patients meet with their oncologist to discuss the benefits and potential side effects of immunotherapy, as well as any lifestyle adjustments that may be needed. Emotional preparation, including support from loved ones or counseling, can help patients feel more confident as they begin treatment.
Immunotherapy has shown significant promise in treating certain types of breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated that drugs like atezolizumab and pembrolizumab can improve survival rates and slow disease progression in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. The effectiveness of immunotherapy depends on factors such as the cancer’s molecular characteristics and the patient’s overall health. While not all patients respond to immunotherapy, ongoing research is identifying biomarkers that can predict which individuals are most likely to benefit, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatments.
While immunotherapy is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects that vary from mild to severe. Common side effects include fatigue, rash, and flu-like symptoms, which often improve with time. More serious complications, known as immune-related adverse events, occur when the immune system attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation in organs such as the lungs, liver, or thyroid. These side effects can often be managed with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. Close monitoring by the healthcare team and early intervention are crucial to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcomes.
After completing immunotherapy, patients require ongoing follow-up care to monitor for any signs of recurrence and manage lingering side effects. Regular check-ups, imaging studies, and blood tests are important components of post-treatment care. Recovery from immunotherapy is often gradual, with patients experiencing improvements in energy levels and overall well-being over time. A healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition and regular exercise, can support recovery and enhance long-term health. Emotional support, whether through counseling or support groups, can help patients adjust to life after treatment and address any concerns about their future.
Life after immunotherapy can bring new challenges. Many patients feel optimistic about their future, knowing they have benefited from an advanced treatment option. However, some may experience lingering side effects or anxiety about recurrence. Maintaining regular follow-up care and staying proactive about health can help patients navigate these challenges. Emotional resilience and support from loved ones, healthcare providers, and peer groups are essential in helping patients regain a sense of normalcy and confidence in their post-treatment lives.
Immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for breast cancer, offering new hope for patients with aggressive or treatment-resistant forms of the disease. By harnessing the power of the immune system, immunotherapy provides a targeted and potentially less toxic alternative to traditional treatments. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of immunotherapy, from its mechanisms and applications to its challenges and potential benefits. As research continues to expand the possibilities of immunotherapy, it remains a vital and evolving tool in the fight against breast cancer.
This article is part of the Public Education Series initiative by Exon Publications. It was written by professional medical writers for the general public in plain language, based on peer-reviewed articles indexed in PubMed, and further reviewed for scientific accuracy by experts. The views and opinions expressed in this article are believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, the publisher, editors, and authors cannot be held responsible or liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of the information provided. The publisher makes no warranties, explicit or implicit, regarding the contents of this article or its use. The information in this article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.