When immunotherapy stops working, it means the cancer cells are no longer being effectively targeted and destroyed by your immune system. This can happen for several reasons, including:
1. Cancer Cells Develop Resistance
- Tumor cells can evolve and develop mechanisms to evade the immune system. They might start producing proteins that block the immune cells' ability to recognize them or even suppress the immune response altogether.
- The cancer cells might become less visible to immune cells. They might start expressing fewer of the proteins that immune cells typically target, making them harder to detect.
2. Immune System Fatigue
- The immune system can become exhausted. Prolonged exposure to cancer cells can wear down the immune system, making it less effective at fighting the disease.
- The body may start attacking healthy cells. This is a serious side effect called autoimmunity that can occur when the immune system is overstimulated.
3. Other Factors
- Changes in tumor microenvironment. The environment around the tumor can change, making it less conducive to immune cell activity.
- Underlying medical conditions. Other health issues can weaken the immune system, making immunotherapy less effective.
- Dosage and timing of treatment. The effectiveness of immunotherapy can be influenced by the dosage and timing of administration.
What Happens Next?
- If immunotherapy stops working, your doctor will discuss alternative treatment options. These might include:
- Changing the type of immunotherapy. There are different types of immunotherapy, and your doctor might recommend switching to a different one.
- Combining immunotherapy with other therapies. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy might be used in combination with immunotherapy to improve effectiveness.
- Stopping treatment. In some cases, stopping treatment may be the best option if the cancer is not progressing rapidly.
It's important to note that immunotherapy can still be effective for many patients even if it stops working initially. Your doctor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual circumstances.
