Immunotherapy and Targeted therapy
Overview
At our center, we offer cutting-edge immunotherapy and targeted therapy treatments designed to fight blood cancers and other hematologic conditions with precision and minimal harm to healthy cells. These advanced therapies are transforming care for patients who may not respond to traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
Targeted Therapy
It is a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack specific molecules (targets) involved in the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells , without harming normal cells as much as traditional chemotherapy does. Can be used in different pediatric tumors, like:
- Certain leukemias and lymphomas
- Neuroblastoma
- Certain types of brain tumors (e.g., medulloblastoma)
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
Main Types of Targeted Therapy
Monoclonal antibodies
Target specific proteins on cancer cells.
Small molecule inhibitors
Block pathways critical for cancer cell growth (e.g., imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia).
Antibody-drug conjugates
Combine antibodies with chemotherapy agents to deliver treatment directly to cancer cells.
Major Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Skin reactions like rashes, dryness, and sensitivity to sunlight
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Anemia, low white blood cell counts leading to increased infection risk
Immunotherapy
It is a cancer treatment that boosts your body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. Your immune system is composed of white blood cells, lymph nodes, and specialized tissues that normally protects you from infections and diseases. Immunotherapy enhances the body’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. It is effective for various pediatric cancers, including:
- Neuroblastoma
- Certain leukemias and lymphomas
- Melanoma
Main Types of Immunotherapy
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Enhance the immune response against cancer .
- Cytokine therapy: Uses immune system proteins to boost the immune response (e.g., interleukin-2).
- Monoclonal antibodies.
- CAR T-cell therapy: Modifies a patient’s T cells to better target and attack cancer cells.
Major Side Effects
- Immune-related adverse effects like inflammation of healthy tissues
- Flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue
- Endocrine disorders
Dinutuximab
Dinutuximab is a specialized treatment for children diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. It is a monoclonal antibody therapy, meaning it is designed to specifically target cancer cells by binding to a molecule called GD2, which is found on the surface of these cells. This targeted approach helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack the cancer.
Dinutuximab plays a vital role in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and improving survival rates for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. While it requires careful management and has potential risks, it offers hope for a better outcome in this difficult diagnosis.
Administration
The medication is administered intravenously (through a vein) in a hospital under the close supervision of medical professionals. The process involves slow infusion over consecutive days per treatment cycle. This regimen may be repeated depending on the treatment plan.
Possible Side Effects
- Pain, particularly in muscles or joints
- Low blood pressure
- Allergic or infusion reactions, including rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling
- Fatigue and weakness
- Increased risk of infections due to a temporary drop in white blood cells
- Low platelets, which can lead to easy bruising or bleeding
Serious Side Effects
- Capillary leak syndrome (fluid leakage from blood vessels, causing swelling or low blood pressure)
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve-related symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet)
- Vision problems
Blinatumomab (Blincyto)
Blinatumomab (Blincyto) is a specialized medication used to treat certain types of leukemia, specifically B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults and children over 1 month old. It is typically used in cases where previous treatments have not been successful. It works by helping the immune system fight cancer. Blincyto is a complex and promising treatment that has shown positive outcomes for many patients.
Administration
Blincyto is administered as a continuous intravenous infusion over several weeks per treatment cycle.
Possible Side Effects
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Low blood counts (neutropenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia)
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea or diarrhea
Serious Side Effects
- Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): This occurs when the immune system overreacts to the treatment. Symptoms include fever, chills, breathing difficulties, nausea, and low blood pressure.
- Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): This happens when cancer cells break down too quickly, potentially affecting kidney function.
- Neurological side effects
- Infections
- Low blood counts
The Journey of Healing Starts Here
At our center, we’ve successfully used Blinatumomab (Blincyto) and Dinutuximab to treat complex cancers. Blinatumomab, combined with chemotherapy, has improved disease-free survival, while Dinutuximab has enhanced outcomes in neuroblastoma by targeting GD2.
Through these advanced therapies and personalized care, our team continues to deliver hope and better quality of life for patients and families.