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Immunotherapy uses the power of your immune system to fight your cancer. One type of immunotherapy is called an immune checkpoint inhibitor.
Your immune system has built-in checkpoints that help it find invaders to attack, like bacteria or tumors. Cancer cells can trick these checkpoints by sending false signals. This disguises tumors so they appear harmless. As a result, immune cells called T cells don’t attack the tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors block cancer’s false signals. This frees up your immune system to attack.
Colon Cancer Care Tailored to You
You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services.
Your care team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center may recommend immune checkpoint inhibitors if your colon cancer has certain features: dMMR (deficient mismatch repair) or MSI-H (microsatellite instability-high). Your Fred Hutch team will test your cancer cells for these features so we can make a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors may be helpful:
- Before surgery to shrink your tumor or keep it from spreading or coming back
- If surgeons cannot remove your tumor
- If colon cancer has spread to other parts of your body (advanced or metastatic disease)
- If colon cancer has come back after treatment
Why Choose Fred Hutch for Immunotherapy for Colon Cancer
Fred Hutch medical oncologists are leaders in medicine-based treatments for colon cancer, including immunotherapies. In fact, research by our experts contributed to the development of the immune checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab and their approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We keep working to improve colon cancer care and often have clinical trials testing new drugs or new combinations. When you come to Fred Hutch, you may have access to immunotherapies that aren’t offered everywhere.
Your medical oncologist, surgical oncologist and pathologist partner to design a personalized treatment plan for you. Our goal is to target your tumor and have the least impact on healthy tissue. Your medical oncologist also works closely with you to manage any immunotherapy side effects. Your whole team helps you take the best possible care of yourself.
Immunotherapy is given by infusion. Liquid medicine is put into a vein through an intravenous (IV) line. This can be a line in your arm (peripheral venous catheter) or a port in your chest (central venous catheter). Cancer nurses who are experts in infusions give you these treatments. They will also watch over you during the treatment. They will help with any medical issues that come up and will keep you comfortable.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors for colon cancer include:
- Dostarlimab-gxly
- Nivolumab alone or with ipilimumab
- Pembrolizumab
Common side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors include:
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea or constipation
- Skin rash or itching
- Joint pain
- Change in hormone levels
If your Fred Hutch team recommends immunotherapy, we’ll explain what to expect based on the medicine you’re getting and how to manage these side effects.
Your care team at Fred Hutch is here to help you prevent or prepare for side effects and to relieve any side effects you have. The most important step you can take is to speak up and let your team know what you’re feeling. We’ve helped many patients and families through this process and know ways to ease your experience.
Often, there are medicines to help, like anti-nausea drugs. Based on the side effect, there may be a range of other helpful options too, like diet changes, physical therapy and emotional and practical support. We also offer integrative medicine, including acupuncture. Fred Hutch researchers continue to look for the best ways to keep side effects at bay.