Immunotherapy for breast cancer

At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we’re committed to providing the latest and most effective treatments for breast cancer. Immunotherapy is one of the most exciting advancements in cancer care, using your immune system’s natural abilities to target and fight cancer cells. With the support of our dedicated team, including Dr Sunduz Yahya, a consultant oncologist specialising in breast cancer, you’ll receive personalised and compassionate care tailored to your needs.

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a treatment that strengthens your immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments, which directly attack cancer cells, immunotherapy works by boosting your body’s natural defences to fight the disease.

This approach can be especially helpful for certain types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which can be harder to treat with conventional methods. Immunotherapy can:

• Activate your immune system to identify and attack cancer cells.
• Block proteins that allow cancer cells to hide from your immune system.
• Enhance the effectiveness of other treatments like chemotherapy.

How immunotherapy works for breast cancer

Immunotherapy targets cancer cells without harming healthy tissues by:

• Stimulating immune cells: Encouraging your immune system to attack cancer cells.
• Blocking immune checkpoints: Preventing proteins like PD-1 or PD-L1 from helping cancer cells evade detection.
• Working alongside other treatments: Boosting the effectiveness of therapies like chemotherapy to improve outcomes.

By equipping your body to fight cancer more effectively, immunotherapy helps reduce tumour size and can prevent the disease from spreading.

What to expect during treatment

Starting a new treatment can feel daunting, but we’re here to make your immunotherapy journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.

• Initial consultation: At your first appointment, we’ll review your diagnosis and discuss whether immunotherapy is the right choice for you. You’ll receive a full explanation of your treatment plan and how it fits into your overall care.
• Personalised treatment plan: Your plan will be tailored to your specific cancer type, overall health, and lifestyle. Immunotherapy may be used alone or combined with other treatments for the best results.
• Treatment sessions: Immunotherapy is typically given as an intravenous (IV) infusion at our clinic. Sessions may take a few hours and are delivered in cycles, allowing time for your body to recover between treatments.
• Monitoring and support: Throughout your treatment, we’ll closely monitor your progress and provide ongoing support to manage any side effects and address your concerns.

Managing side effects

Immunotherapy is generally well-tolerated, but like any treatment, it can cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• Fatigue.
• Skin reactions, such as rashes or redness where the injection is given.
• Flu-like symptoms, including fever or chills.
• Digestive issues, such as nausea or diarrhoea.

Our team will work closely with you to manage any side effects, ensuring you stay as comfortable as possible during your treatm

Why choose Birmingham Breast Clinic?

At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we aim to provide the best possible care in a supportive and welcoming environment. Here’s why patients trust us for their breast cancer treatment:

• Expert care: Our team has extensive experience with immunotherapy for breast cancer, ensuring you receive the most advanced and effective treatments.
• Innovative options: We offer cutting-edge therapies like immunotherapy to give you the best chance of a successful outcome.
• Comprehensive approach: Your care is managed by a multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists, to ensure every aspect of your treatment is fully coordinated.
• Patient-centred support: We’re here to guide you through every step, offering practical advice, emotional support, and compassionate care to help you feel confident and comfortable.

Contact us

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.

If you’d like to learn more about immunotherapy or book an appointment, please contact us today. Together, we’ll create a personalised plan to help you fight breast cancer with confidence, care, and hope for the future.