What is cytokine therapy?
Cytokine therapy is a type of immunotherapy that uses cytokines—small proteins that regulate the immune system—to enhance the body's natural ability to fight diseases, including cancer. Cytokines play a key role in signaling between immune cells, helping to control inflammation, immune responses, and the growth and activity of immune cells.
How does cytokine therapy work?
Cytokine therapy enhances the immune system by:
- Stimulating T-cells and other immune cells to attack cancer or infected cells
- Increasing or modulating the immune system’s ability to better target cancer cells or infections
- Helping the body recover from treatments like chemotherapy that suppress the immune system
What are side effects of cytokine therapy?
Cytokine therapy is often only effective in certain types of cancers or patient groups. Cytokines must be administered carefully to avoid overactivation of the immune system. High doses can cause side effects such as:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Capillary leak syndrome (fluid leakage from blood vessels)
Talk with your hematology oncologist to determine if cytokine therapy is right for you.