Immunotherapy For Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. This treatment has been used for various types of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is the most common form of primary liver cancer and commonly appears in patients who have chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
How it works?
Immunotherapy works by triggering your own body’s natural defenses against cancer cells, encouraging the growth and multiplication of immune cells that can recognize and destroy cancer cells. It also helps to stop the growth of new tumor cells, slowing down the progression of cancer. Immunotherapy is available in a number of forms, including monoclonal antibody therapy, checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell therapy, and vaccines.
Important Precautions?
Before beginning treatment, it is important to be prepared for immunotherapy and discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. You may want to ask about the types of medications you will be taking, the potential side effects, and whether the treatment is right for you. Side effects of immunotherapy may include fatigue, nausea, fever, chills, and rash. It is also important to ensure that your diet and lifestyle are appropriate for immunotherapy. Additionally, it is essential to keep track of any changes in your body during this time so that your doctor can adjust your treatment if needed.
Atezolizumab Antibody
Atezolizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) together can be used as an immunotherapy treatment for advanced HCC. Clinical trials have demonstrated that this combination can lead to improved outcomes in terms of both safety and efficacy when compared to other treatment options.
Atezolizumab works by blocking the interaction between PD-L1 and its receptors PD-1 and B7-H3, which are expressed in many tumor cells. This allows the immune system to better recognize and destroy the cancerous cells. Additionally, Bevacizumab targets VEGF, a major mediator of angiogenesis that facilitates tumor growth by promoting blood vessel formation. By blocking VEGF, the growth of new blood vessels is disrupted, thus inhibiting tumor growth.