Where Do You Go For Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is an innovative treatment that can enhance the natural cancer-fighting capabilities of the body’s immune system. There are several types of immunotherapy, including adoptive T-cell transfers, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, monoclonal antibodies and cancer vaccines. Each type works in different ways, and many are administered in different ways.
Depending on the type of immunotherapy prescribed and other factors, a patient may receive treatment in a physician’s office, outpatient clinic, hospital or cancer center. While some patients are treated with immunotherapy alone, others receive it in conjunction with other cancer therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. This can also influence where and how immunotherapy is given.
What does immunotherapy involve?
Immunotherapy medications are available in several forms, including liquids, pills, capsules and topical creams. Liquid medications may be delivered directly into a vein (intravenously), injected either under the skin (subcutaneously) or into a muscle (intramuscularly) or placed in a specific body cavity, such as the bladder via a catheter (intravesically). Pills and capsules are swallowed, and creams are applied to the skin.
Immunotherapy at Moffitt Cancer Center
The multispecialty team at Moffitt Cancer Center provides outstanding clinical care for patients who are receiving immunotherapy and other cancer treatments. We continually monitor each patient’s progress and adjust his or her individualized treatment plan as needed. We also offer our patients access to supportive care medicine, including behavioral therapy, integrative medicine and pain management. Our goal is to ensure that each patient has access to multiple expert opinions, receives the most appropriate treatment for him or her and has the support necessary to cope with the realities of cancer.
If you have questions about where to receive immunotherapy, a specialist in the Immunotherapy Program at Moffitt Cancer Center can help. You can request an appointment by calling 1-888-663-3488 or completing a new patient registration form online.