Immuno-oncology — A Relatively New and Promising Treatment for Melanoma
Immuno-oncology — a relatively new and promising treatment for melanoma — is available at Columbus Regional Hospital.
“Our biggest defense against cancer is the immune system, but sometimes the immune system can’t keep up with rapidly growing cancer cells,” said Kelsey Finch, Pharm.D., an oncology pharmacist at Columbus Regional Hospital. “Immuno-oncology uses medications that work in different ways to help the body’s immune system fight cancers like it does infections and other diseases.”
KILLING CANCER CELLS
One common type of immuno-oncology medication, called a checkpoint inhibitor, prevents proteins from attaching to cancer cells and protecting them from the immune system. In contrast, chemotherapy medications target and destroy cancer cells, but they often damage healthy cells as well.
“For the first time in a long time, we have an entirely new way of thinking about the treatment of cancer,” Finch said. “Instead of trying to kill cancer cells, we’re using a radically different approach and finding ways to help the body naturally fight cancer.”
ON THE HORIZON
Immuno-oncology was first used to treat patients with melanoma. Now it shows promise in treating a broader array of cancers, including lung, head and neck, bladder, gastric and certain lymphomas.
Researchers are studying its effectiveness in treating other cancers. Oncology specialists at Columbus Regional Hospital expect that these new medications will be available to more patients in the near future.
View All Success Stories
“Our biggest defense against cancer is the immune system, but sometimes the immune system can’t keep up with rapidly growing cancer cells,” said Kelsey Finch, Pharm.D., an oncology pharmacist at Columbus Regional Hospital. “Immuno-oncology uses medications that work in different ways to help the body’s immune system fight cancers like it does infections and other diseases.”
KILLING CANCER CELLS
One common type of immuno-oncology medication, called a checkpoint inhibitor, prevents proteins from attaching to cancer cells and protecting them from the immune system. In contrast, chemotherapy medications target and destroy cancer cells, but they often damage healthy cells as well.
“For the first time in a long time, we have an entirely new way of thinking about the treatment of cancer,” Finch said. “Instead of trying to kill cancer cells, we’re using a radically different approach and finding ways to help the body naturally fight cancer.”
ON THE HORIZON
Immuno-oncology was first used to treat patients with melanoma. Now it shows promise in treating a broader array of cancers, including lung, head and neck, bladder, gastric and certain lymphomas.
Researchers are studying its effectiveness in treating other cancers. Oncology specialists at Columbus Regional Hospital expect that these new medications will be available to more patients in the near future.
![news-logo-crh CRH banner](/images/default-source/news-images/news-logo-crh_teal.png?sfvrsn=2)
CRH News
-
CRH recognized for excellence in lactation care
Jun 24, 2024, 15:26 by DeClue, A.In addition, the facility demonstrated that it has recently completed activities that help protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.Full story -
Take the ColumBUS Transit Survey
Jun 20, 2024, 08:33 by Newton, A.ColumBUS Transit is conducting a Route Study to look for opportunities to improve the service. Your input will help guide priorities and inform decisions about the future of public transit in our community.Full story -
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine practice moves to NexusPark
Jun 19, 2024, 14:24 by DeClue, A.CRH Orthopedics and Sports Medicine will open at NexusPark on July 1.Full story -
Memorial Day Holiday Physician Office Hours
May 22, 2024, 11:49 by DeClue, A.In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, most Columbus Regional Health Physicians offices and outpatient clinics will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024.Full story -
Guardian Response Trains with CRH on Patient Transport
Apr 26, 2024, 15:25 by DeClue, A.On April 29 and May 2, Columbus Regional Health and area first responders will be conducting a training session in partnership with military representatives. This is a planned, simulated emergency drill.Full story -
Final Two CRH Practices Move to NexusPark
Apr 18, 2024, 12:36 by DeClue, A.CRH at NexusPark officially opened in late January, and more than 15 provider practices and services have relocated to the space in the first quarter of 2024.Full story