Chemotherapy does not damage the immune system per se
It is a common assumption that unsettles cancer patients and their relatives: chemotherapy is immunosuppressive. Is this really true? Dr. Albrecht Kretzschmar provides answers.
Oncologist Dr. med. Albrecht Kretzschmar, Head of the ZIO Glarus, immediately clarifies that chemotherapy generally puts a strain on a person's immune system. "The topic is highly charged," says Kretzschmar. "It is said that chemotherapy is immunosuppressive, which incidentally benefits many manufacturers of dietary supplements and other preparations. But you can't say that in general terms."
In the case of so-called "solid" tumors, and therefore particularly common cancers, chemotherapy does not necessarily lead to a weakening of the immune system. "A cancer patient who receives chemotherapy is not sick more often in winter than other people," says Kretzschmar.
However, in the case of blood cancer or lymphoma, for example, the immune system actually suffers during cancer therapy. Usually because cortisone has to be used. This can damage the immune system, which is why in such cases accompanying measures are also taken directly to prevent illness.
Distinguishing between the different types of cancer
"However, this distinction is usually not made," says the oncologist. "Many people therefore generally assume that chemotherapy generally damages their immune system, and this opens the door for suppliers of products that are supposed to strengthen the immune system." Food supplements that are sold over the counter have nothing whatsoever to do with the immune system, even if the suppliers write this on the packaging. "Many of these products probably do no harm, but if an immune system is actually weakened, then other measures are needed." These are suggested by the oncologists treating the patient in addition to the cancer therapy.
It is true, however, that the new immunotherapy tends to cause fewer side effects than chemotherapy. However, there is a risk of acquiring an autoimmune disease.
