Immunotherapy is used to boost the immune system in the treatment of disease like cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it includes monoclonal antibodies used in targeted therapy, vaccines and other treatments that boost immunity. The side effects of immunotherapy are usually mild and relative to other modes of treatment. According to the ACS, side effects are typically less severe after the first dose. The possible side effects affect different organ systems, depending on the type of immunotherapy and mode of administration.
Heart and Blood Vessels
Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody, or MAb, is used in metastatic breast cancer treatment and has been known to lead to high blood pressure. Low blood pressure is possible with other MAbs.
According to the ACS, lepatinib and trastuzumab, also monoclonal antibodies, could adversely affect the heart, leading to symptoms of congestive cardiac failure with shortness of breath, leg swelling and severe fatigue. Interleukins may also cause irregular heartbeats and, rarely, chest pain and serious heart problems.
Digestive System
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common side effects of MAbs and cytokines. Mouth sores, loss of appetite and perforations in the colon, requiring surgical repair, are possible with bevacizumab. Liver problems may be seen with lapatinib and interferons.
Other Side Effects
Cytokines and MAbs commonly cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, aches, weakness and drowsiness. Several forms of immunotherapy cause skin rashes. Interferons may cause thinning hair. Lapatinib can also cause hand-foot syndrome, which, according to the ACS, is a combination of numbness, redness, tingling, swelling, and discomfort in the hands and feet and, in some cases, peeling of the skin.
Low blood cell counts are also seen with bevacizumab and cytokines. This may predispose patients to opportunistic infections. Nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord is also seen in some patients on interferon-alpha treatment. Cytokines may also lead to fluid retention, with swelling or weight gain in some patients.
