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Treatment and the treatment process

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy directs your own immune system to recognise and destroy leukaemia cells.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A guardian T cell — Immunotherapy
Figure 1.A guardian T cell — Immunotherapy

01Short answer

The main types in leukaemia are monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies that "link" an immune cell to a leukaemia cell, CAR-T cells, and donor immune cells after a transplant. Their side effects differ from chemotherapy, for example cytokine release syndrome.

02Simple explanation

Topic. immunotherapy.

Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.

Write down. Your questions.

Overview. The article “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

03Scientific explanation

Target antigen: for example CD19, CD20, CD22 in B-cell ALL and CLL.

Cytokine release: a strong immune reaction with high fever and falling blood pressure.

04What happens in the body?

Immunotherapy

The main types in leukaemia are monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies that "link" an immune cell to a leukaemia cell, CAR-T cells, and donor immune cells after a transplant. Their side effects differ from chemotherapy, for example cytokine release syndrome.

In more detail

Target antigen: for example CD19, CD20, CD22 in B-cell ALL and CLL. Cytokine release: a strong immune reaction with high fever and falling blood pressure.

A brake released — Immunotherapy
Figure 2.A brake released — Immunotherapy

The overview

This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

A bridge between cells.
Figure 3.A bridge between cells.

05Immunotherapy: the steps

Four steps.

Target — Antigen test.1TargetAntigen test.
Choice — Type.2ChoiceType.
Giving — With observation.3GivingWith observation.
Monitoring — Reactions.4MonitoringReactions.

06Types

TypeHow it worksSee
Monoclonal antibodyMarks the cell“Monoclonal antibodies”
Bispecific antibodyBrings an immune cell close“Antibodies in practice”
CAR-TYour own modified cells“What is CAR-T”

07Key terms

Antigen
A marker on the cell surface.
Cytokine release syndrome
A strong immune reaction.

08Key points

  • Everyone’s plan is individual.
  • Write down and bring your questions.
  • Report new symptoms early.
  • Do not change medicines yourself.
  • For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
  • Overview: “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

09Frequently asked questions

Does immunotherapy work in every leukaemia?

No; there must be a suitable target.

Is this the same for everyone?

No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.

Where is the overview?

In the article “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does immunotherapy work in every leukaemia?

  2. Is this the same for everyone?

  3. Where is the overview?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Monoclonal Antibodies
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). CAR T Cells: Engineering Immune Cells to Treat Cancer
  4. MedlinePlus. Cytarabine injection
  5. Macmillan Cancer Support. Cytarabine
  6. MedlinePlus. Methotrexate
  7. MedlinePlus. Mercaptopurine
  8. MedlinePlus. Daunorubicin
  9. Macmillan Cancer Support. Cancer treatment and heart health
  10. MedlinePlus. Cyclophosphamide
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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