9. Immunotherapy – Harnessing the Power of the Immune System
Immunotherapy represents an exciting frontier in thyroid cancer treatment. This approach utilizes the power of the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. In essence, immunotherapy turns the body’s natural defenses into a potent weapon against the disease.
For thyroid cancer, immunotherapy typically involves the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking proteins on cancer cells that would otherwise allow them to evade detection by the immune system. By inhibiting these checkpoints, the drugs empower the immune system to recognize and destroy the cancer cells.
Prominent immune checkpoint inhibitors used in the treatment of thyroid cancer include pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo). While these drugs have shown promise in treating certain types of thyroid cancer, research continues to explore their full potential.
As with any cancer treatment, immunotherapy can come with side effects. These can range from fatigue and skin reactions to more serious issues like autoimmune reactions. However, the potential benefits of this cutting-edge treatment make it an exciting option for patients with advanced or recurrent thyroid cancer. (9)
