4 potential benefits of subcutaneous immunotherapy

Subcutaneous immunotherapy is a treatment option for several types of cancer, including lung cancer, kidney cancer, certain types of skin cancers, gastroesophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver cancer.

Immunotherapy is a category of anti-cancer drugs that work by helping the body's immune system fight cancer. Some work by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Some cause certain immune cells to become more active. Some have multiple mechanisms that help the body fight cancer.

“Subcutaneous” refers to how some of these drugs are administered—with a subcutaneous injection, an injection into the layer of fatty tissue underneath the skin. These injections are typically given in the abdomen or thigh (though some drugs can only be injected into certain spots on the body).

Subcutaneous immunotherapy is a new and emerging treatment option for some cancers, with several options available and additional therapies under development. Like any cancer treatment option, this can be a good choice for some people but will not be an option for everyone.

The potential benefits of subcutaneous immunotherapy

While there is no way to guarantee how a cancer will respond to a specific therapy, research has found subcutaneous immunotherapies to be equally as effective as their intravenously administered counterparts. The potential benefits of subcutaneous injections include shorter appointments, less travel, and a reduced risk of side effects.

Shorter appointments

Treating cancer is time consuming. Exams and infusions (and traveling to these appointments) can require a significant time investment. This can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life during treatment.

One potential benefit of subcutaneous immunotherapy is that it takes less time to administer than a therapy administered with an intravenous (IV) infusion. An IV infusion can take 30 to 90 minutes to administer once the needle is inserted into a vein. A subcutaneous injection takes a few minutes. Over the course of treatment, this can mean significantly less time spent in appointments.

Less travel

Infusions with an IV typically require a visit to an infusion center or a hospital. Subcutaneous injections can be administered in a healthcare provider’s office. This will mean subcutaneous injections can also require less travel, especially for anyone who does not live close to an infusion center or hospital.

Lower indirect costs

Indirect costs of cancer treatment refer to things like missed work due to appointments or recovering from treatment or the cost of traveling to and from treatment—things apart from the out-of-pocket cost of treatment that nonetheless impact a person’s finances. Some research has found subcutaneous therapies to be associated with lower indirect costs.

Risk of side effects

All cancer treatments can cause side effects, and reducing the risk of side effects and addressing side effects that do occur are important considerations when making treatment decisions. While side effects vary depending on the type of immunotherapy, common side effects from immunotherapy can include rash, pain, swelling, soreness, itchiness, and fatigue.

Some studies have found that there may be a lower risk of side effects with subcutaneous immunotherapy compared to intravenous immunotherapy. Again, this can vary depending on the immunotherapy being used, as well as the type of cancer being treated.

Talk to your healthcare provider

Treating cancer is different for everyone. If you think that subcutaneous immunotherapy may be a good fit for you or a loved one living with cancer, it's worth discussing the options that are available with your healthcare providers, and where these options might fit into your treatment plan.