What is Biological Therapy for Cancer? Purpose, Types & Results

Biological therapy for cancer is a treatment that uses your body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. Also called immunotherapy or biotherapy, this approach works by boosting, directing, or restoring your natural defenses against cancer.

Unlike chemotherapy that directly attacks cancer cells, biological therapy teaches your immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Think of it as giving your body's security system better tools and training to identify and eliminate the threat.

What is biological therapy?

Biological therapy uses substances made from living organisms to treat cancer. These treatments can be naturally produced by your body or created in a laboratory to mimic natural substances.

Your immune system normally protects you from infections and diseases, but cancer cells can sometimes hide from or overwhelm these defenses. Biological therapy helps restore this balance by strengthening your immune response or making cancer cells easier targets.

The therapy works in several ways. It can boost your overall immune system, help immune cells work better, or block signals that cancer cells use to grow and spread.

Why is biological therapy done?

Doctors recommend biological therapy when your immune system needs help fighting cancer cells. This treatment can be used alone or combined with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

Your oncologist might suggest biological therapy if traditional treatments haven't worked well or if you have a type of cancer that responds particularly well to immune-based treatments. Some cancers, like melanoma and certain blood cancers, often show good responses to these therapies.

The therapy can serve different purposes depending on your situation. It might help shrink tumors, prevent cancer from spreading, or reduce the chance of cancer coming back after other treatments.

What is the procedure for biological therapy?

Biological therapy is usually given as an infusion through a vein in your arm, similar to receiving an IV. The procedure typically takes place in a hospital, cancer center, or outpatient clinic.

Most treatments are given in cycles, with rest periods between sessions to allow your body to recover. A typical session might last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the specific type of therapy you're receiving.

Here's what you can expect during treatment:

• You'll sit in a comfortable chair or lie on a bed
• A nurse will insert an IV line into your arm
• The medication will be given slowly through the IV
• Medical staff will monitor you for any reactions
• You may be observed for a period after treatment

Some biological therapies can be given as injections under the skin or as pills, but IV infusion is the most common method. Your healthcare team will explain exactly what to expect for your specific treatment.

How to prepare for your biological therapy?

Preparing for biological therapy involves both physical and practical steps. Your doctor will give you specific instructions based on the type of therapy you'll receive.

Before your first treatment, you'll likely need blood tests to check your overall health and immune system function. These tests help your medical team determine if you're ready for treatment and establish baseline measurements.

Here are common preparation steps you might need to take:

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Get adequate rest and sleep before treatment
• Eat nutritious meals to support your immune system
• Take any prescribed medications as directed
• Arrange transportation to and from appointments
• Avoid people who are sick or have infections

Your healthcare team will also discuss any medications you're currently taking, as some might need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped. It's important to follow all pre-treatment instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.

How to read your biological therapy results?

Biological therapy results are measured through various tests and scans that show how well the treatment is working. Your doctor will track your progress using imaging studies, blood tests, and physical examinations.

Unlike some treatments where results are immediately visible, biological therapy often takes time to show effects. Your immune system needs time to respond and build up its cancer-fighting abilities.

Your medical team will look for several key indicators:

• Tumor size changes on CT scans or MRIs
• Blood marker levels that indicate cancer activity
• Overall health and energy levels
• Side effects and how well you're tolerating treatment
• Quality of life improvements

Response to biological therapy is typically categorized as complete response (cancer disappears), partial response (cancer shrinks), stable disease (cancer doesn't grow), or progressive disease (cancer grows). Your doctor will explain what these categories mean for your specific situation.

How to manage biological therapy side effects?

Managing side effects from biological therapy involves working closely with your healthcare team and taking proactive steps to support your body. While side effects can vary, many people find them more manageable than traditional chemotherapy side effects.

Common side effects often feel like having the flu, including fatigue, fever, chills, and body aches. These symptoms usually indicate that your immune system is responding to the treatment.

Here are ways to help manage potential side effects:

• Rest when you feel tired and pace your activities
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Eat small, frequent meals if you have appetite changes
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as approved by your doctor
• Apply cool compresses for skin reactions
• Report any concerning symptoms to your medical team promptly

More serious side effects can include severe immune reactions, organ inflammation, or autoimmune problems where your immune system attacks healthy tissue. Your medical team will monitor you closely and adjust treatment if needed.

What are the risk factors for biological therapy complications?

Certain factors can increase your risk of complications from biological therapy. Understanding these risk factors helps your medical team plan the safest treatment approach for you.

Your overall health status plays a significant role in how well you might tolerate biological therapy. People with strong immune systems and good general health typically have fewer complications.

Risk factors that might increase complications include:

• Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• History of organ transplantation
• Severe heart, lung, or liver disease
• Active infections or compromised immune system
• Previous severe reactions to biological treatments
• Advanced age, though this varies by individual

Having risk factors doesn't mean you can't receive biological therapy, but it does mean your medical team will monitor you more closely and may adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Is it better to have a strong immune response to biological therapy?

A strong immune response to biological therapy can be both beneficial and challenging. While it often indicates that the treatment is working, it can also mean more noticeable side effects.

When your immune system responds robustly to biological therapy, it's usually a positive sign that your body is learning to fight cancer more effectively. However, this response can sometimes cause inflammation and flu-like symptoms.

The key is finding the right balance. Your medical team wants to see enough immune activity to fight cancer effectively, but not so much that it causes dangerous side effects or attacks healthy tissue.

Your doctors will carefully monitor your response and may adjust your treatment schedule or dosage to optimize this balance. Sometimes, a moderate response that you can tolerate well is better than a strong response that causes severe side effects.

What are the possible complications of biological therapy?

Biological therapy complications can range from mild to serious, though severe complications are relatively uncommon. Most people experience manageable side effects that improve over time.

The most common complications involve your immune system becoming overactive. This can lead to inflammation in various parts of your body, including your skin, lungs, liver, or intestines.

Potential complications include:

• Autoimmune reactions affecting healthy organs
• Severe skin reactions or rashes
• Lung inflammation causing breathing problems
• Liver inflammation affecting liver function
• Intestinal inflammation causing diarrhea
• Thyroid problems affecting metabolism
• Infusion reactions during treatment

Rare but serious complications can include severe autoimmune conditions that require immediate medical attention. Your healthcare team will teach you warning signs to watch for and when to seek urgent care.

When should I see a doctor during biological therapy?

You should contact your medical team immediately if you experience severe or concerning symptoms during biological therapy. While some side effects are expected, others require prompt medical attention.

Regular communication with your healthcare team is essential throughout treatment. They'll schedule routine check-ups, but you should reach out between appointments if you have concerns.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

• High fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C)
• Severe diarrhea or stomach pain
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Severe skin reactions or widespread rash
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Signs of infection like chills or sweats
• Unusual fatigue or weakness

Don't hesitate to call even if you're unsure whether a symptom is serious. Your medical team would rather hear from you about a minor concern than miss an opportunity to address a potential complication early.