Immunotherapy overview
Immunotherapy is a dramatic shift in how we fight cancer. It’s not chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Instead, it is a therapy that uses the power of your body’s own immune system to find and destroy cancer cells. Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) physicians and researchers are leaders in discovering new ways to give your immune system the upper hand against cancer — making immunotherapy the science behind hope.
Telehealth consultations are available
At our clinic we have thorough safety measures in place to protect you, your caregivers and our staff. We also understand that sometimes it is not possible to come to an in-person visit. That is why we are pleased to offer telehealth consultations if you are eligible.
We are committed to easing any anxiety around a telehealth visit if this is new for you. Prior to your appointment we will provide detailed instructions to help you familiarize yourself before you meet with your care team. Ask about telehealth when making an appointment to see if it is an option for you.
What is immunotherapy?
Your immune system’s job is to protect your body against foreign invaders, like bacteria and tumors. Cancer can hide from the immune system and even trick the immune cells into helping — rather than harming — the tumors.
Immunotherapy uses your immune system’s own fighting power to attack cancer cells. The body becomes part of the solution — it helps your immune system fight cancer and put it back in control.
Immunotherapy can be used on its own or along with traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Immunotherapy offers doctors and patients a new and powerful treatment option.
How does it work?
The two leading forms of immunotherapy based on research from SCCA are cellular immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Cellular immunotherapy involves taking immune cells from your body and replacing them back into your body in large numbers to help your immune system fight cancer.
CAR T-cell therapy is a form of cellular immunotherapy that uses modified T-cells to attack cancer cells. A sample of T-cells is taken from your body and re-engineered in a lab setting to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). When they are reinfused into your body as CAR T-cells, they’re able to recognize cancer cells and fight them.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors work by teaching immune cells to target and attack the pathways where cancer grows. Tumor cells can hide themselves by sending false signals to immune cell “checkpoints” so that they look harmless. Checkpoint inhibitor drugs block these false signals, so the immune system isn’t tricked into ignoring tumors.
Clinical trials
Many of the key elements of immunotherapy have been around for decades. In fact, SCCA has known the promise of immunotherapy ever since our alliance partner, Fred Hutch, led the way in early forms of immunotherapy over 40 years ago. Our world-class doctors are using immunotherapy research to bring a better reality to our patients, providing the therapies of tomorrow, today. Below is a link of immunotherapy clinical trials that are currently open and accepting patients at SCCA.
Saving lives with exceptional science
Many of the world’s immunotherapy experts are based at SCCA. We are leaders in turning scientific discovery into exciting new treatments that are changing the way cancer is treated. Our groundbreaking research is the foundation for many of the FDA-approved immunotherapies used across the country today.
Through our unique alliance with Fred Hutch, Seattle Children’s and UW Medicine, we are able to bring our knowledge from the lab to the bedside, giving SCCA patients faster access to exceptional science.
Leading experts
Patients at SCCA are taken care of by doctors, advanced practice providers, and registered nurses who specialize in immunotherapy and are among the best in the nation. Through SCCA, you have access to the latest therapies and treatments. Our team of doctors, advanced practice providers and specialists meets regularly to discuss each patient’s treatment options.
Request an appointment
To learn about immunotherapies that may be used to treat your cancer, ask your provider and care team.