If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your doctor may recommend that you see an immuno-oncology specialist. Immuno-oncology? What is immuno-oncology?
Immuno-oncology is a form of cancer immunotherapy that employs the body’s immune system to fight cancer. More than just a buzzword, immuno-oncology is a rapidly emerging area of cancer research and treatment that’s getting promising results.
SIE Medical offers immuno-oncology to patients in Austin and Atlanta as part of our integrative approach to cancer treatment. Our goal is to enhance quality of life, reduce the impact of cancer therapy side effects, and improve clinical outcomes. We accomplish this by developing targeted, patient-centered plans that address all three stages of cancer care.
Understanding Oncology
Before discussing immuno-oncology, it is essential to understand oncology itself. Oncology is the branch of medicine dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body grow uncontrollably, often forming tumors that can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Oncologists, the doctors specializing in this field, use a variety of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and newer approaches such as immunotherapy.
Cancer is not one disease but a collection of related diseases. Different types of cancer respond differently to treatments, making it necessary to take a personalized approach to treatment.. Understanding oncology is the foundation for exploring what immuno-oncology is.
What is Immuno Oncology?
So, what is immuno-oncology? Immuno-oncology, or cancer immunotherapy, is a treatment approach that harnesses the body’s immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments that directly target tumors, immuno-oncology bolsters and directs the immune system, helping it recognize cancer as a threat.
The immune system is our natural defense against disease. It can detect viruses, bacteria, and abnormal cells. However, cancer cells are particularly sneaky—they can evade immune detection. Immuno-oncology treatments help the immune system overcome this evasion. Examples include:
- Checkpoint inhibitors that release the “brakes” on immune cells, allowing them to attack cancer more effectively.
- CAR T-cell therapy which modifies a patient’s own immune cells to target cancer.
- Cancer vaccines designed to trigger an immune response specifically against tumor cells.
Patients considering immuno-oncology are looking for more targeted, less invasive therapies that collaborate with the body’s natural defenses.
Integrative Oncology and Immuno Oncology
At SIE Medical, we focus on integrative oncology, which combines conventional cancer treatments with supportive, evidence-based therapies designed to enhance the body’s overall health. Integrative oncology considers nutrition, stress reduction, immune support, and lifestyle modifications as part of a comprehensive cancer care plan.
Interestingly, integrative oncology often uses principles that overlap with immuno-oncology. While immuno-oncology focuses on activating the immune system against cancer, integrative oncology supports immune function through holistic measures. For example:
- Nutritional support can strengthen immune health, providing the body with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Mind-body therapies, such as meditation or yoga, may reduce stress hormones that can suppress immune function.
- Supplements and botanical therapies are sometimes used to support the immune system, complementing the effects of immunotherapy.
By combining these approaches, integrative oncology aims to maximize treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects, enhancing quality of life throughout the cancer journey.
Why Understanding Immuno Oncology Matters
Understanding what immuno-oncology is empowers patients to make informed decisions. Modern oncology is moving toward personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to each individual’s genetic profile, tumor type, and immune response. Immuno-oncology represents one of the most exciting areas of this evolution, offering therapies that can be more precise and potentially less toxic than traditional methods alone.
However, immuno-oncology is not a replacement for conventional care in most cases. Instead, it complements surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, often providing a more holistic and targeted approach to cancer treatment. Integrative oncology adds another layer, focusing on the patient’s overall well-being, supporting recovery, and enhancing resilience.
SIE Medical’s Approach
At SIE Medical, our offices in Austin and Atlanta specialize in combining advanced oncology techniques with integrative approaches. We guide patients through every step, from understanding what immuno-oncology is to creating personalized care plans incorporating cutting-edge therapies and supportive strategies.
Our team works closely with patients to ensure they understand their treatment options, the science behind each therapy, and how integrative methods can optimize results. Whether you are exploring immunotherapy or complementary support, SIE Medical is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care.
Get Started with Us Today
At SIE Medical, we offer immuno-oncology as part of our innovative, patient-centered approach to cancer care. This treatment is designed to support your immune system rather than compromise it—helping your body fight disease naturally and effectively. Combined with our broader integrative oncology program, this approach addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while targeting the disease itself.
By embracing medical innovation and holistic care, we help patients in Austin, Atlanta, and beyond experience cancer treatment that is both effective and compassionate.
Call our offices today: 404.236.6234 (Atlanta) & 512.883.1700 (Austin).
