Understanding Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment

Immunotherapy has become an important part of cancer treatment in recent years, offering a different approach than traditional chemotherapy or radiation.

Instead of going after cancer cells directly, these treatments rely on the body’s immune system. One type, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, works by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

“Cancer cells can sometimes hide from the immune system,” said Dr. Nicole Held, a hematologist and medical oncologist with Aspirus Cancer Care. “Immune checkpoint inhibitors help remove that disguise, allowing the body’s T cells to recognize and attack the cancer.”

Under normal circumstances, the immune system uses white blood cells called T cells to find and destroy abnormal cells. Some cancers can interfere with that process and avoid detection. Immune checkpoint inhibitors block the signals that allow cancer to go unnoticed, helping restore the immune system’s ability to respond.

This approach is now part of treatment for several cancers at Aspirus Cancer Care, including lung, bladder, kidney, head and neck, and triple negative breast cancers.

“These treatments are often folded into a patient’s overall treatment plan,” Dr. Held said. “They are often given with chemotherapy, before, during, or after radiation, or surgery, and in various clinical trials we’ve seen improved patient outcomes compared to traditional chemotherapy alone.”

As with any cancer treatment, there are important considerations. Immunotherapy carries risks, and side effects can occur. Patients are monitored closely so care teams can identify and manage concerns early.

“There are many different factors that go into determining whether this should be part of an overall treatment plan,” Dr. Held said. “That’s why it’s important for patients to talk with their oncology team about what’s right for them.”