Lung Cancer Immunotherapy

What is the Immune Therapy?

It is the treatment directed to block certain types of proteins in the cancer cells called checkpoint proteins which act as protective vehicles for the cancer cells and prevent the body's immune (T) cells from attacking the Cancer cells. So, when these Immune Therapies indirectly help the immune system of the body to attack Cancer cells.

What are the Types of Immune Therapies used in lung cancer?

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)

Nivolumab (Opdivo)

And Atezolizumab (Tecentriq)

Is it possible to use the Immune Therapy alone? Or with Chemotherapy?

The answer to this question is that it depends on the case. So if the patient can tolerate chemotherapy, he/she can be given a combination of chemotherapy and immune therapy. However, if the patient cannot tolerate the chemotherapy, he/she can be given only immunotherapy.

What are the success rates of Immune Therapy?

In 2016, the KEYNOTE -010 Scientific study published in the Lancet Journal https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673615012817    denoted that in an open-label phase III clinical study done on 1034 patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, the Immune Therapy (Pembrolizumab) prolongs the overall survival, and has a favorable risk to benefit profile for previously treated patients with PD L1 positive None Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Is there any role of Naturopathic Medicine?

The simple answer to this question is yes, there is a big role. It is working to support the anti-cancer effects of Immune Therapy by using Natural Supplements and Interventions such as giving high-dose intravenous Vitamin C and other Natural-based remedies such as EGCG (the Active Ingredient of Green Tea) and Mistletoe. Supporting your immune system during the active phases of Lung Cancer Treatment is very essential to help fight the cancer cells and improve your outcome. Many factors come into play when we mention the immune system support such as proper nutrition, lifestyle, and adequate electrolyte balance. Acupuncture has a role as well in relieving some of the symptoms related to Lung Cancer such as breathing problems and pain. The role of CBD oil (Cannabis Oil/ Medicinal Marijuana) is to be verified by the prospective clinical trials, however, the preliminary laboratory data are promising

Have any questions? Need help?

Click on one of these links

For Hamilton, Grimsby, Stoney Creek, and Saint Catherine residents https://www.ontarionaturopathicclinic.ca/site/contact-naturpathic-dr-grimsby-niagara 

For Toronto residents  https://www.ontarionaturopathicclinic.ca/site/contact-naturpathic-dr-toronto-north-york