7th Generation Medical Oncology Acupuncture
Complementary, Alternative, Integrative, Holistic Cancer Care Center
Support Conventional Cancer Treatment for Integrated Comprehensive Cancer Care

Cancer Immunotherapy and Acupuncture Adjuvant Therapy Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the patient's own immune system to fight cancer cells. It works by enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Types of Immunotherapy: Checkpoint inhibitors: These drugs block proteins on cancer cells that prevent the immune system from attacking them. Monoclonal antibodies: These are laboratory-made proteins that target specific cancer cells and mark them for destruction. Adoptive cell therapy: This involves taking immune cells from the patient, growing them in the lab, and then infusing them back into the patient to fight cancer. Cancer vaccines: These vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Benefits of Immunotherapy: Can be effective against a wide range of cancers May work in patients who have not responded to other treatments Can potentially provide long-term remission Side Effects of Immunotherapy: Immune-related adverse events, such as inflammation and autoimmune disorders Cytokine release syndrome, a life-threatening condition that can occur when too many immune cells are released at once Eligibility for Immunotherapy: The eligibility for immunotherapy depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's overall health. Patients who may be eligible include those who: Have advanced or metastatic cancer, Have not responded to other treatments, and Have a strong immune system. Research and Development: Immunotherapy is an area of active research and development. New immunotherapy drugs and therapies are being investigated to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects. Conclusion: Cancer immunotherapy is a promising treatment option that harnesses the patient's own immune system to fight cancer. It can be effective against a wide range of cancers and may offer long-term benefits. However, it is important to note that immunotherapy is not a cure for all cancers and may have potential side effects. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to determine if immunotherapy is an appropriate option for them. Google AI Overview. This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Acupuncture in Cancer Immunotherapy Acupuncture can help manage symptoms and treatment-related side effects for cancer patients, including those undergoing immunotherapy. Recent research also indicates that acupuncture can modulate the immune system, but its potential to directly boost immunotherapy efficacy remains experimental and requires more research. Acupuncture's role during immunotherapy Managing side effects: The primary, evidence-based application of acupuncture in integrative oncology is to provide relief from side effects caused by cancer treatments. Patients undergoing immunotherapy or other treatments can use acupuncture to help manage: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain, tingling) Nausea and vomiting Cancer-related pain, including joint pain from hormonal therapies Fatigue Anxiety and depression Hot flashes caused by hormone treatments Sleep problems and insomnia Immunomodulatory effects: Some studies suggest acupuncture can influence immune function, which could be relevant to immunotherapy. Innate immunity: Research indicates that acupuncture can regulate innate immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and mast cells. Adaptive immunity: Acupuncture may also influence the body's adaptive immune response by affecting the function of T and B lymphocytes. Immune microenvironment: Acupuncture has shown potential to positively affect the tumor immune microenvironment, although more research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms. Targeting cytokine storms: Cytokine storms are a form of severe inflammation that can be triggered by infections or certain immunotherapies. Harvard Medical School researchers demonstrated in mouse models that electroacupuncture could reduce the severity of cytokine storms. Crucially, the timing of the acupuncture was critical, with effects varying dramatically depending on whether it was administered before or during the peak of the cytokine storm. However, these findings are still in the experimental stage and require further investigation in human trials before being applied clinically. Important considerations and safety Not a cure: Acupuncture is used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional cancer treatment, not as a standalone cure. Acupuncturists should never claim to treat or cure cancer with acupuncture. Potential risks: While considered safe when administered by a licensed and trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles, there are specific considerations for cancer patients. Low blood counts: Acupuncture may be unsafe for patients with very low white blood cell or platelet counts, such as those undergoing intense chemotherapy or CAR T-cell therapy. Bleeding: Patients with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant medications should take extra precautions, though serious bleeding is very rare. Other risks: Other minor risks include bruising, temporary pain at the needle site, and dizziness. Communicating with your care team: Always inform your oncology team before starting acupuncture to ensure it is appropriate and safe for your specific treatment plan. Your acupuncturist should also be informed of any changes to your cancer treatment or other medications. Leading cancer centers, such as MD Anderson and Memorial Sloan Kettering, have integrated acupuncture services to ensure coordinated and safe care. Google AI Overview. This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Acupuncture and Immunology Acupuncture modulates the immune system by regulating the activity of immune cells, such as T cells and NK cells, and balancing inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. It activates neuroimmune reflexes through the nervous system, which can lead to both local and systemic effects, and may be beneficial for immune-related diseases by either suppressing an overactive immune response (like in autoimmune diseases) or enhancing a deficient one. How acupuncture affects the immune system Regulates immune cell activity: Acupuncture can affect the balance of different immune cells, including increasing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and enhancing the function of NK cells, which are important for killing cancer cells. Balances inflammation: It helps modulate both pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-α and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-10), which helps maintain immune homeostasis. Activates neuroimmune reflexes: Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, which in turn activates the immune system through pathways involving the brain, nerves, and spleen. Maintains immune balance: It appears to have a bidirectional effect, able to enhance immunity in cases of deficiency and suppress it in cases of overactivity, such as in autoimmune diseases. Potential applications Allergic disorders: Studies have shown a significant decrease in serum IgE levels in patients with allergic asthma after acupuncture. Inflammatory diseases: It can reduce inflammatory responses and symptoms in conditions like inflammatory bowel syndrome and sepsis. Autoimmune diseases: Acupuncture may help suppress overactive immune responses in diseases like autoimmune diseases by restoring the balance of immune cells and cytokines. Cancer: By increasing NK cell activity, acupuncture may help improve the body's anti-cancer immune functions. Important considerations Acupuncture's effectiveness can depend on the timing, intensity, and location of the stimulation. More well-controlled randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings. Practicing acupuncture improperly could potentially have negative effects. Google AI Overview. This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes.