What is FACS?
Here is a list of medications we are talking about called immune checkpoint inhibitors or immunotherapy (but not limited to):
- Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
- Opdivo (nivolumab)
- Libtayo (cemiplimab)
- Loqtorzi (toripalimab)
- Tevimbra (tislelizumab)
- Zynyz ( retifanlimab)
- Tencentriq (atezolizumab)
- Imfinzi (durvalumab)
- Yervoy (ipilimumab)
- Imjudo (tremelimumab)
Immunotherapy's Growth in Cancer Treatment
- Broad Usage: Immunotherapy is now used in over 50% of all cancers, making it one of the dominant treatment options.
- Impact on Mortality: Immunotherapy has been responsible for reducing cancer mortality rates by more than 30% over the past decade. This reduction is the most impressive compared to any other cancer treatment in recent years.
Challenges and Side Effects:
- Autoimmune Side Effects: Around 80% of patients undergoing immunotherapy will experience long-term autoimmune side effects. These effects can often require additional treatment with separate drugs.
- Chronic issues: 50% of patients will develop new chronic autoimmune conditions post immunotherapy. These conditions typically need medical intervention from a range of specialists (e.g., dermatologists, rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, etc.).
Key Points to Highlight:
- Immunotherapy’s success in cancer treatment is undeniable, but the long-term autoimmune consequences are a major challenge for both patients and healthcare providers.
- The need for multi-speciality medical intervention highlights the complexity of managing patients post-immunotherapy.
- There may be a need for new approaches to manage these side effects or preventative treatments to reduce the long-term autoimmune impact
Have you experienced any of these symptoms during or after treatment?
- Skin reactions ( recurrent rashes, itchiness, sores, thinning of the skin)
- Nerve issues (burning, cramping, numbness, tingling)
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea
- Ongoing Nausea
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- New thyroid issues
- New onset diabetes
- Joint/bone pain or swelling
- Mobility issues (stiffness, weakness)
- Shortness of breath
- New heart problems
- New allergies to foods or environment
- Vision issues
- Brain fog (change in thinking ability, confusion, lack of focus)
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth ( burning, lack of saliva)
- Headaches
- Or just something is not right
- Or do you have a pre-existing autoimmune disease?
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We see you.
We are here to help.
There are many options to help you not just survive but thrive.
New patients diagnosed with cancer will be eligible to receive immunotherapy
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Patients will develop an autoimmune side effect requiring new doctors and medicatons
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Patients can find the help they need during and after immunotherapy treatment
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How can we help?
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