Preparing for treatment - Imunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of biological therapy that harnesses or modifies the body’s own immune system to prevent, control or eliminate diseases, most notably, cancer. Unlike chemotherapy or radiation which directly eliminate cancer cells, immunotherapy works by empowering the patient’s immune system to fight the disease, potentially offering longer-lasting targeted results.

Patients who have had a bone marrow transplant do not have enough T-cells. It is possible to take T-cells from a bone marrow donor and give these to the patient. However, this can cause the patient's body to reject the donor marrow because the foreign T-cells ‘attack’ the patient's body. Scientists are now testing ways to give T-cells to a patient without causing this attack and rejection reaction. They are also looking into the possibility of the patient's own immune system fighting the tumour cells. Some tumours are caused by viral infections and in this case the T-cells must be able to  recognise and kill the tumour cells. 

In other words: Tumour cells often produce abnormal proteins (tumour antigens) that are not found on normal cells. Cytotoxic T-cells can recognise these antigens when they are presented on the surface of tumour cells. Once a T-cell recognises a tumour antigen, it can become activated. Activated cytotoxic T-cells can kill the tumour cell. Over time, a strong T-cell response can shrink or eliminate a tumour.

Tips for parents and caregivers:

Immunotherapy can be powerful but comes with unique side effects and uncertainties. Careful monitoring, open communication with the care team, and strong emotional support for both your child and you make the journey easier. It is important to understand the treatment. Immunotherapy works by boosting the child’s immune system to fight cancer. Different types exist (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy), each with unique side effects. These are new and unknown terms, and you as the parent may ask questions and expect clear explanations from the medical staff about what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

Keep track of the side effects by keeping a journal. Diarise any changes such as fever, a rash, fatigue, mood shifts, breathing issues, or new pains and discuss this with the medical team. 

Report high fever, breathing difficulty, confusion, or severe allergic reactions  immediately to the medical team and ask for guidance. 

Be consistent with appointments and medication instructions. Immunotherapy often requires strict treatment timing. 

Prepare your child: Explain in age-appropriate ways what the treatment does and why it’s important.

Provide a favourite toy, book, music, or a blanket to help them feel safe, distracted and comforted.

Many children tire easily; allow rest breaks and don’t push too hard with activities.

Provide reassurance, maintain routines, and consider child-friendly counselling or support groups.

Prevent infections by good handwashing, avoiding contact with sick people, and keeping the environment clean and hygienic. 

Encourage healthy, balanced meals and fluids; especially water. Some children may have appetite loss or taste changes. 

Caring for a child with cancer is exhausting—make sure you as the parent or caregiver eat, rest, and accept help from friends or family.

Join parent support groups (in person or online) to share experiences with families going through immunotherapy.

Stay informed but balanced: Use reliable sources (hospital handouts, paediatric oncology organizations) instead of overwhelming internet searches.

Read more by checking the materials below:

1) Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society. n.d. Immunotherapy. 

2) Stanford Medicine. What is CAR T-Cell Immunotherapy?