Questions to ask before starting immunotherapy

If you've recently been recommended for immunotherapy, it's natural to have a slew of questions. From understanding the complex terminology to visualizing the treatment timeline, asking questions is crucial. By actively engaging with your healthcare team, you're not just seeking information; you're building a partnership.

To empower yourself, consider bringing a notebook, a recording device, or a trusted companion to your appointments. This will allow you to capture key points, ask follow-up questions, and thoroughly process the information at your own pace. A Jasper counselor can also provide additional support, helping you navigate your options and make informed decisions—if you haven’t already, schedule some time with one today. Remember, your questions are a valuable tool in your journey to better health.

Treatment and side effects

Before you begin, there are a number of questions to consider. Here are a few examples of what might be pertinent:

• Can you explain, in terms I can understand, how this treatment works to treat the cancer that I have?
• How many of your own patients have received this treatment? 
• What is the success rate for someone like me with this treatment?
• If your doctor does not have a lot of experience with the suggested treatment, ask: Who do you turn to when you have questions about how to manage the care of someone on this treatment?
• How is this therapy administered (by IV, port, oral medication, injection)?
• How long does each treatment last?
• What do the cycle look like and how often will I be getting this treatment?
• What are the primary side effects I should be aware of with this treatment? Are these reversible (temporary) or permanent side effects?
• Is there risk of anaphylactic reaction with this treatment, and what are the symptoms of that? What will be done to try to prevent this type of reaction?
• What are the alternatives to this treatment if I have a reaction and cannot tolerate it?
• Can you spell the names of the therapy you are suggesting I get as well as any other supportive medications I may be taking during the course of treatment?

Additional resources and support

Once you’ve gotten a better sense of the proposed treatment route from your doctor, consider asking tangential questions to clarify how you can best prepare yourself for it. Examples include:

• Can you recommend a good place to read more about this treatment?
• I’m feeling anxious about starting this new treatment, what kind of mental health support is available to me?
• What kind of physical activity is safe for me to engage in while undergoing this treatment?
• If I want to learn more about the ideal diet to eat during this time, how do I get an appointment to meet with a registered dietitian?

Future options

Finally, consider getting your doctor’s opinion on what a future path could look like. This will be unique to your particular diagnosis, but an example question could be:

• Are there clinical trials involving promising immunotherapy treatments that you would recommend I consider participating in?

It’s important to remember that every patient is unique and so is their diagnosis. Depending on your type of cancer, stage and treatment path, there may be additional questions worth asking as you sit down with your clinical team. Your Jasper counselor is well-versed in this area and can be helpful as you’re compiling your questions.

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