Immunotherapy
This treatment uses your body’s immune system to fight cancer. An oncologist may administer a substance known as a biological response modifier, such as interferon or interleukin-2. Normally produced by the body, these substances are also made in laboratories. Studies show that people may do better when they’re treated with both interferon and surgery, rather than with interferon alone. Biological response modifiers can have serious side effects, including chills, fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. You may bruise easily after treatment and feel extremely tired. Interleukin-2 and interferon therapies can also affect liver and kidney function. These side effects are often severe, but usually disappear once treatment is stopped.