Author: Molly Lindquist
Medically reviewed by Dr. Doug Blayney on October 7, 2024.
Today, we're going to talk about two important treatments for lung cancer: chemotherapy and immunotherapy. If you or someone you love is dealing with lung cancer, this information might help you understand your options better. Let's explore these treatments together in a simple way.
What is Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer?
Chemotherapy, often called "chemo" for short, is a type of medicine that fights cancer. It works by attacking cells that grow and divide quickly, which is what cancer cells do. But here's the thing: some healthy cells in our body also grow fast, which is why chemo can cause side effects.
For lung cancer, doctors often use drugs like:
- Cisplatin
- Carboplatin
- Paclitaxel
- Docetaxel
Chemo is usually given in cycles. This means you get the medicine for a few days, then have a break to let your body rest and recover. This cycle might repeat every 3 or 4 weeks.
What is Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer?
Now, let's talk about immunotherapy. Our bodies have a natural defense system called the immune system. It fights off things that can make us sick, like germs – bacteria and viruses. Another part of the immune system helps us reject tissue that our body recognizes as foreign. This is the so-called cellular immune system. Cancers have a way of fooling the cellular immune system into thinking the cancer is not foreign tissue. Immunotherapy is a clever way to help our immune system recognize cancer tissue as foreign. The body can then fight the foreign, cancerous cells.
For lung cancer, doctors often use drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors. Some common ones are:
- Pembrolizumab
- Nivolumab
- Atezolizumab
These medicines help your immune system's "fighter cells" (called T-cells) spot and attack cancer cells better.
Chemo versus Immunotherapy - How are Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Different?
Imagine your body is like a garden, and cancer is like weeds. Chemotherapy is like using a strong weed killer that affects all the plants in the garden. It gets rid of the weeds but can also harm some good plants.
Immunotherapy, on the other hand, is more like training the garden's natural defenders (like helpful insects) to spot and remove only the weeds. It's more targeted and can sometimes work for a longer time.
Here are some other differences:
- Chemotherapy usually works for a specific time, while immunotherapy can keep working even after you stop taking it.
- Not everyone can have immunotherapy. Doctors need to check if your cancer has certain features that make it a good match for this treatment.
- Chemotherapy is often given through an IV at a hospital or clinic, while some immunotherapy medicines can be taken at home.
Benefits of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
Both treatments have their good points:
Chemotherapy:
- It can work quickly to shrink tumors.
- It's helpful for many different types of cancer.
- It can be used at any stage of cancer.
Immunotherapy:
- It can have longer-lasting effects.
- It often has fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
- For some people, it can help them live longer.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
It's important to know that both treatments can cause side effects, but they're often different:
Chemotherapy side effects can include:
- Feeling very tired
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Losing your hair
- Getting infections more easily
Immunotherapy side effects can include:
- Feeling tired
- Skin rashes
- Diarrhea
- Rarely, it can cause your immune system to attack healthy parts of your body
Remember, not everyone gets all these side effects, and there are ways to help manage them. Your doctor and nurses are there to help you feel as good as possible during treatment.
More articles about lung cancer:
Which Treatment is Better for Lung Cancer?
Here's the most important thing to understand: there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best treatment depends on many things, like:
- What type of lung cancer you have
- How far the cancer has spread
- Your overall health
- Your personal preferences
Sometimes, doctors might even recommend using both chemotherapy and immunotherapy together.
The key is to work closely with your doctor to find the best plan for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions or share your concerns. Your healthcare team is there to help you make the best choice for your situation.
We’ve been there. We get it.
The Manta Cares team is composed of cancer survivors, caregivers and oncologists - so we truly understand the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis because we’ve been there. We are here to walk with you as you go through your own cancer experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are even developing disease-specific step-by-step maps to show you all the paths you might face during your cancer experience and connect you with relevant support and resources. Sign up for access to our Manta Maps here.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our free resources like our Chemotherapy Checklist for Caregivers, Financial Checklist for Cancer Treatment and more. We also put out a bi-weekly podcast called the Patient from Hell to educate, empower and hopefully inspire you as you go through this crappy experience. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Dealing with cancer as a patient or caregiver can feel really lonely. Just know that you are not alone in this experience.
Conclusion
We've learned a lot about chemotherapy and immunotherapy for lung cancer.
Remember:
- Chemotherapy attacks fast-growing cells, including cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy helps your own immune system fight cancer.
- Both treatments have their strengths and possible side effects.
- The best choice depends on your specific situation.
If you or someone you care about is facing lung cancer, know that you're not alone. There are many people ready to support you, including your doctors, nurses, family, and friends.
FAQ on Chemotherapy versus Immunotherapy
Q: Is immunotherapy better than chemotherapy for lung cancer?
Ans - It's not about one being "better" overall. Each person's cancer is unique, so the best treatment varies from person to person. Your doctor can help determine which might work best for you.
Q: Can chemotherapy and immunotherapy be combined?
Ans - Yes, in some cases. This is called combination therapy, and it can be very effective for some people with lung cancer.
Q: What are the long-term side effects of immunotherapy?
Ans - Most side effects of immunotherapy go away after treatment ends. However, some people might have longer-lasting effects on their hormone glands or other organs. Your doctor will monitor you closely for any long-term issues.
Q: How do I know if I'm eligible for immunotherapy?
Ans - Your doctor will run tests on your cancer cells to see if they have certain features that make immunotherapy likely to work. They'll also consider your overall health and the stage of your cancer.
Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.