Uterine Sarcoma: Immunotherapy

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy uses medicines to help your body’s immune system find and kill cancer cells. It’s not the same as chemotherapy (chemo). Immunotherapy medicines work in different ways. They also cause different side effects.

When might immunotherapy be used for uterine sarcoma?

Your healthcare provider will let you know if immunotherapy is an option for you. You may get immunotherapy if:

• The cancer is advanced

• The cancer does not respond to chemotherapy or starts growing again after chemotherapy

• The cancer has spread to other parts of your body (metastatic)

How is immunotherapy given for uterine sarcoma?

Immunotherapy for uterine cancer is given as an IV (intravenous) infusion. The medicines are often given every 3 to 6 weeks. Ask your healthcare team about your treatment schedule.

What are possible side effects of immunotherapy?

Whether you’re about to start immunotherapy, or just thinking about it for now, know that it can affect people differently. Everyone’s immune system is unique. So the effects can vary. How you feel may also depend on:

• How healthy you are at the time of treatment

• What type of immunotherapy you’re getting

• What the dose is

But there are some common side effects that you can watch for. Ask your healthcare provider what side effects you may have and when to report them.

Immunotherapy can lead to:

• Severe tiredness (fatigue)

• Skin rash and itching

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Nausea

• Coughing

• Poor appetite

• Bone or joint pain

• Lower red blood cell count (anemia)

Some people have an infusion reaction from immunotherapy medicines. Tell your healthcare team right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Fever

• Chills

• Flushing

• Wheezing

• Dizziness

• Itching

• Rash

• Trouble breathing

• Back pain

In rare cases, your immune system may attack other parts of your body. This may cause problems with your lungs, liver, kidneys, intestines, or other organs.

Remember, you can always talk with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. They’re here to help. Many side effects can be treated to keep them from getting worse.

Working with your healthcare provider

It's important to know which medicines you're taking. Write down the names of your medicines. Ask your healthcare team how they work and what side effects they might cause.

Ask your healthcare providers what symptoms to watch for and when to call them. Make sure you know what number to call with questions or problems. Ask if there is a different number to call when the clinic is closed, such as on weekends and holidays.

It may help to keep a diary of your side effects. Write down physical, thinking, and emotional changes. A written list will make it easier for you to remember your questions when you go to your appointments. It will make it easier for you to work with your healthcare team to make a plan to manage your side effects.