What Are The Side Effects Of Immunotherapy?

Decreased Appetite

Decreased appetite is a common side effect seen in individuals being treated with immunotherapy. This can present as an individual who eats less than usual, feels full after eating a minimal amount of food, or just someone does not feel hungry at all. A decrease in appetite can be the result of digestive irritation caused by an overactive immune system attacking healthy tissues from immunotherapy. Associated nausea and vomiting can cause a patient to have a poor appetite. Fatigue caused by the effects of immunotherapy can also be a significant factor in the reduction of an individual's appetite.

Immunotherapy can have an inflammatory impact on an individual's bowels, causing them to experience constipation and diarrhea, which may also contribute to a poor appetite. If an individual is being treated for cancer located in their abdomen or nearby organs through the use of immunotherapy, irritation may occur at the site that causes swelling. Any swelling in the abdomen can push on the stomach or bowel, making a patient feel full quickly.

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