Tag: Immunotherapy

For individuals with primary immunodeficiency, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is often a lifelong treatment administered every few weeks. So, **how many times can you get IVIG**? The answer is highly personalized and depends entirely on the underlying medical issue, the patient's response, and specific therapeutic goals, which can range from a single course to indefinite therapy.

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is an immunotherapy medicine that works with the immune system to treat certain cancers [1.3.6]. Understanding **what to expect after a KEYTRUDA infusion** is key to managing your health, from common side effects like fatigue to more serious immune-related reactions [1.2.1].

For many common cancers, adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery can reduce the risk of recurrence by around 30% [1.2.3]. So, **what drugs shrink tumors** and how do they work? The answer lies in several classes of powerful medications designed to attack cancer cells.

Since its first FDA approval in 2014, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) has become a treatment for over 20 types of cancer [1.4.3]. A common question for patients is, **how long does KEYTRUDA stay in your system after an infusion?**

Despite being used to support patients undergoing cancer treatment, PROCRIT (epoetin alfa) is not a form of immunotherapy. Instead, it is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) that functions by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. This distinction is crucial for understanding its role in supportive care for anemia, a common side effect of chemotherapy and other medical conditions.

Immunotherapy infusion times can range from as little as 10 minutes to several hours, with common immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab often taking around 30 minutes. The exact duration of **how long does an infusion of immunotherapy take** is highly dependent on the specific medication and the patient's individual treatment plan.

Patients with cancer have a significantly higher risk of developing blood clots, and studies have reported a cumulative incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) exceeding 10% in some patients on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. This high risk creates a critical challenge: determining if and how you can take blood thinners while on immunotherapy to prevent clots without increasing bleeding risk.

According to the National Cancer Institute, immunotherapy can boost the body’s immune response to fight cancer, but certain other medications can interfere with this delicate process. Therefore, understanding what medications should I avoid with immunotherapy is crucial for maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects.

Actemra (tocilizumab) is an immunosuppressive biologic medication, not a chemotherapy drug. To answer the question, "Is ACTEMRA chemotherapy or immunotherapy?", it is essential to understand that its mechanism targets specific inflammatory pathways within the immune system, making it a form of immunotherapy.

According to a meta-analysis of cancer-related pain studies, over half of cancer patients experience some form of pain during treatment, making effective management a priority. When undergoing immunotherapy, special considerations are necessary for **what can you take for pain while on immunotherapy** to ensure both treatment efficacy and patient safety. It is crucial to consult your oncology team before starting any pain reliever to prevent potential interference with your cancer treatment.