Colorectal Cancer: Immunotherapy

Colorectal cancer can be treated in many ways. One way is called immunotherapy. It uses the power of your body’s own natural defenses to fight cancer cells.

What is immunotherapy?

Your body’s immune system attacks foreign things like germs. And your immune system can also be used to fight cancer. Immunotherapy is medicine that helps it do this. It works by helping your immune system find and attack cancer cells. There are different types of medicines used for immunotherapy. Some increase the action of the immune system. Others use proteins that stop cancer cells from hiding from the immune system. The medicines may cause fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

How is immunotherapy used for colorectal cancer?

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of medicine. These are the most common type of immunotherapy used to treat colorectal cancer. They work by blocking certain proteins on cancer cells. Your immune system can then spot and destroy cancer cells. The medicines are given as an intravenous (IV) infusion every few weeks. Types of immune checkpoint inhibitors used to treat colorectal cancer include:

• Pembrolizumab

• Nivolumab

• Dostarlimab

• Ipilimumab with nivolumab

What are the risks?

Immunotherapy may have fewer side effects than chemotherapy. But it can cause side effects, such as:

• Fatigue

• Rash

• Itching

• Joint pain

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

It can also cause severe infusion reactions. Symptoms of this include:

• Chills

• Itching

• Flushing

• Shortness of breath

• Fever

• Back pain

• Serious issues in the lung, liver, kidneys, or other organs

Ask your healthcare team what side effects to watch for and when to report them. Ask what number to call when the office is closed.

Who can have immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is not for every person with colorectal cancer. It may be used for any of these:

• Advanced-stage colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body

• Tumors have specific genetic mutations

To know if the medicine is right for you, your healthcare provider will look at:

• Your type of cancer

• How much your cancer has spread (stage)

• Your overall health

Making an informed decision

If you’re thinking about immunotherapy, talk with your healthcare team. Make sure you understand all the benefits and risks. You can also:

• Ask about clinical trials. A clinical trial is a research study to test new treatments. You may have access to a new treatment when you join a study.

• Get a second opinion. You can consult another doctor who treats cancer (oncologist). Their insights may help you feel more confident in your decision.

• Talk with support networks. Connect with other people who have colorectal cancer. You can hear first-hand from those who have had this treatment. They can also help give you emotional support.