Treatment side effects immunotherapy reduces survival of cancer patients
The current treatment of the side effects of immunotherapy in cancer must change. In fact, medication for these side effects negatively affects the effectiveness of the therapy, resulting in patients living up to 1.5 times shorter lives.
This is according to a study coordinated by researchers from UMC Utrecht, which appeared Wednesday evening in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Immunotherapy with so-called checkpoint inhibitors is a relatively new treatment method against various types of cancer. This therapy involves prompting the body's own immune system to clear tumor cells. Although this treatment is increasingly being used - up to 40 percent of patients with advanced cancer are eligible - remarkably little is still known about its side effects. Karijn Suijkerbuijk's research group from UMC Utrecht is investigating this.
The success of immunotherapy
"What makes immunotherapy so special is that in patients who respond well, the effect often persists years after the treatment is stopped. So much so, that we think we can use it to cure some of the patients with metastatic cancer. But despite the success of immunotherapy, serious side effects can occur. These side effects vary enormously; from skin rashes to inflammation of the heart. With immunotherapy, side effects are completely different from, say, chemotherapy. Everything can basically be affected by the immune system," says Karijn Suijkerbuijk, professor of immunotherapy for solid tumors at UMC Utrecht.
Side effects of immunotherapy generally do not go away by themselves. To prevent patients from becoming seriously ill or dying from the side effects, treatment is often vigorous with drugs that inhibit the immune system, such as prednisone. It was long thought that this did not affect the effectiveness of immunotherapy. This study, coordinated by PhD student Rik Verheijden in collaboration with the Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG), examined data from 2,000 patients with six types of cancer (melanoma, kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer and mesothelioma) treated with immunotherapy. They found that high doses of immune-inhibiting drugs were associated with worsened survival and a reduced number of years in which the tumor remained stable. As a result, the researchers recommend critically considering how much immune inhibitor medication a patient with side effects needs. Therefore, they are now investigating strategies to optimally combat side effects without compromising the efficacy of immune therapy.
The UMC Utrecht Cancer Center
The UMC Utrecht Cancer Center is ready for patients with complex or rare forms of cancer. Here we combine innovative and specialized care with personal guidance for all patients and their loved ones.
As an academic centre, they believe it is important for patients who have cancer to have the best possible outlook. Because a lot of research is done, the UMC can continuously improve cancer treatment. This is how they work to provide the best care. Always together with patients and their loved ones, as one team. Before, during and after treatment. With special attention to exercise, nutrition and proper aftercare. In cooperation with other hospitals in the central Netherlands. Because cancer requires the very best care: close to home if possible, further away if necessary.
Source: UMC Utrecht
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