Immunotherapy Before & After Surgery: Cancer Treatment Advances

Immunotherapy, a treatment that harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, is increasingly being used not just for advanced cancers, but also in earlier stages of the disease, both before and after surgery. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have analyzed studies across seven cancer types, revealing a trend toward earlier intervention.

Immunotherapy’s Expanding Role

For years, immunotherapy has transformed the treatment of widespread cancer that is no longer operable. Now, its application is broadening to patients diagnosed at earlier stages. The Karolinska Institutet research encompassed studies of hudcancer, lungcancer, bröstcancer, gastrointestinal cancer, gynekologisk cancer, huvud- och halscancer, and urologisk cancer.

Did You Know? The research involved a collaboration between 14 scientists at the Department of Oncology-Pathology at Karolinska Institutet, all of whom also work directly with cancer treatment in healthcare.

“We are seeing that immunotherapy in early stages of disease is rapidly developing in many tumor areas,” says Hildur Helgadottir, a researcher at Karolinska Institutet. “By compiling studies from many types of cancer, it becomes clearer how the field is moving and what experiences can be shared between different specialties.”

Potential for Increased Effectiveness

Studies indicate that administering immunotherapy after surgery – known as adjuvant treatment – can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Giving the treatment *before* surgery (neoadjuvant treatment) can often better prepare the immune system to recognise and attack tumor cells.

Across several cancer types, results suggest that combining immunotherapy before and after surgery may offer greater benefits than treatment post-operation alone. However, researchers emphasize that effectiveness varies depending on the specific cancer and that treatment can present challenges, including potential side effects and the risk of overtreatment if surgery alone would have sufficed.

Expert Insight: The shift towards earlier immunotherapy intervention represents a significant evolution in cancer care, potentially offering more proactive and effective treatment strategies. However, careful consideration of individual patient needs and potential risks remains crucial.

Collaboration and Future Directions

This research is the result of a collaborative effort between 14 researchers at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Oncology-Pathology, who also actively participate in cancer treatment within the healthcare system. This multidisciplinary approach allows for the integration of diverse experiences from various cancer specialties.

“This proves valuable that we have come together from so many different tumor areas,” Helgadottir explains. “It provides a broader understanding of how immunotherapy is used in different parts of cancer care and can, in the long run, support both clinical decisions and future research.”

Further research is needed, particularly in the development of biomarkers – measurable characteristics that can help clinicians determine which patients are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy, both before and after surgery.

Vetenskaplig artikel:

Perioperative immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy across tumors: Insights and shared lessons from a rapidly evolving field, Journal of Internal Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cancer were included in this research?

The research included studies of hudcancer, lungcancer, bröstcancer, gastrointestinal cancer, gynekologisk cancer, huvud- och halscancer, and urologisk cancer.

What is neoadjuvant treatment?

Neoadjuvant treatment is when immunotherapy is given while the tumor is still present in the body.

What is adjuvant treatment?

Adjuvant treatment is immunotherapy given after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning.

As immunotherapy continues to evolve, what role do you think personalized medicine will play in tailoring these treatments to individual patients?