Immunomodulator Therapy

The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from foreign substances.[1] Immunotherapy is a treatment that utilizes the body’s immune system to attack and kill cancer cells. One type of immunotherapy is immunomodulators.[2] Immunomodulators are mainly used to treat multiple myeloma and a few other cancers. They can work directly on the immune system to turn proteins up and down.[3]

One class of immunomodulators is immunomodulating drugs (IMiDs) which includes the drugs thalidomide (brand name: Thalomid), lenalidomide (brand name: Revlimid), and pomalidomide (brand name: Pomalyst). Another immunomodulator is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a weakened version of a bacteria that can cause tuberculosis. Since the bacteria is weakened, it does not lead to tuberculosis, but it still can infect tissues and boost immune response. BCG is used to treat early-stage bladder cancer and some melanomas (skin cancers). Some side effects of BCG may include fever, chills, fatigue, and a burning feeling in the bladder.[3]

Imiquimod is another drug that falls under the category of immunomodulators. It is a cream used to treat some types of pre-cancers of the skin, especially on the face. Imiquimod stimulates immune cells in the skin to attack any cancer cells. It is usually applied for several months at a frequency of anywhere between twice a week to once a day. A skin reaction is the most common side effect of imiquimod.[3]

References

1.     Immune System https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21196-immune-system (accessed Jun 16, 2021).

2.     Immunotherapy https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/immunotherapy.html (accessed Jun 16, 2021).

3.     Immunomodulators and Their Side Effects https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/immunotherapy/immunomodulators.html (accessed Jun 17, 2021).